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Today we reflect on one Bible verse and two of Handel’s songs: And Suddenly. . . and Glory to God. God can work suddenly. He can break onto the scene and change things in an instant: the most difficult problem successfully resolved, a dead-end obstacle removed, a certain defeat swallowed up in victory. In this case, as in most, God’s “suddenly” is preceded by waiting and by His Word. It was a normal night in the fields, shepherds looking over sheep—mundane, tired, and thankless work. But in the quiet stillness of night, they watched and waited.
Incredibly an angel appeared and shared with them the good news of Messiah’s birth. Upon hearing God’s Word, “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared.” It seemed the whole of heaven began shouting praise. A great, glorious angel choir celebrated God and blessed His people with peace and favor.
The theme of the angel song was God’s glory and God’s blessing. What is glory, you ask? Glory is the captivating, blazing beauty and brilliant, grand weight of God’s majesty and fame. It is the lustrous splendor of His powerful Presence. To experience God’s glory is to proclaim His praise. God’s beauty is too much, His weight too heavy; the soul before God erupts like a horn blast—either in awed reverence or anguished expiry. Through the Messiah, our experience of God’s glory turns from holy judgment into gracious blessing. God desires for His peace and favor to fill you. And, through Jesus the Messiah, they can.
God can break into your long night and suffuse it with shouts of praise. Watch and wait for God. Give yourself a little quiet stillness and set yourself before His Word. Reflect on the good news of Messiah. This watching and waiting we call “faith.” And suddenly, you may see God’s glory and blessing pour into your life. “Glory to God in the highest.”
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Rev. 7:12).
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Dave Chaves
Dave Chaves, Technology and Product Development Manager, has worked in nonprofit, Christian communications for over 10 years, including most recently with Five Talents USA. He holds a master’s degree from Georgetown University and an MDiv from Africa International University. He’s been involved in cross-cultural missions in East Africa for over 10 years and is an Associate Missionary with the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders. Dave met his lovely wife Lucy in Kenya and they have four children. He is excited to be part of the CSLI team and to support communications and technology to further the ministry of discipleship.
