Angels from realms of glory
With politics so much to the fore in people's thinking at this time, I was reminded of this quote by the 17th century Anglican theologian Richard Hooker that ‘He that goes about to persuade a multitude that they are not so well governed as they ought to be, shall never want attentive and favourable hearers.’ Those who promise much by way of better things for society are always likely to be popular, initially anyway, until their ideas are exposed to realities that either prove their value or show them to be wanting. Each of us know where our heart veers in response to the events and challenges of our time, but may we always bear in mind that the anger of man can never bring about the righteousness of God; and that while hatred of ‘the other side’ can stir up feelings of superiority or contempt, nothing less than the working of God’s Holy Spirit can ever create anything that truly unites. Since we must always be in search of godly ways of expressing our concern, I thought that reminding ourselves of James Montgomery’s words in his famous Christmas carol would be an unusual but potentially fruitful way to join with the angels in celebrating that Jesus has come into our midst, and that He invites people everywhere to come and worship the One who is with us now, and who will suddenly appear again. Here’s a reminder of the lyrics: Angels from the realms of glory Wing your flight o'er all the earth Ye who sang creation's story Now proclaim Messiah's birth Shepherds in the field abiding Watching o'er your flocks by night God with men is now residing Yonder shines the infant light Come and worship Come and worship the Lord, our God Come and worship the Savior Worship Christ the newborn King Saints before the altar bending Watching long in hope and fear Suddenly the Lord descending In His temple shall appear Come and worship Come and worship the Lord, our God Come and worship the Saviour Worship Christ the newborn King Come and worship Come and worship the Lord, our God Come and worship the Saviour Worship Christ the newborn King Jesus, we don't have to wait until Christmas to pray for You to rekindle the love of many to honour and worship You with all their hearts!