Joy to the World!

 The birth of a child... any child... is the source of jaw droppin' foot stompin' joy!  Our first son was born at a time when hospitals were only beginning to allow dads to be in the delivery room.  The hospital in Chicago where our first son was born greeted this progressive new turn of events with enthusiasm. And so did I!  As I stood there at Carol's side, a genuine, bonafide, parting of the Red Sea kind of miracle unfolded before me and I experienced the kind of joy that makes you laugh and weep at the same time.  I finally understood why angels began to sing at the birth of Jesus. 

I could quote the words of their song in good King James English and had sung them in Latin, Spanish, French, German, and Hausa as well.  But at 11:32 on that amazing morning, I understood why the angels sang "Glory to God in the highest!"   

The birth of a child... any child... is a reason to break out into singing.  The birth of Jesus continues to fill the halls of heaven and earth with beautiful music. Luke's account of Jesus' birth has inspired many a song: 

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and  the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men!"