YoIn Luke 2:13, we witness a group of angels parading across the night sky as they sing a declaration of praise for Christ’s arrival to earth as a baby. How wonderful it must have been to hear the shouts of celebration vibrantly filling the air, an honorable demonstration of the divine made flesh. Although we can only imagine what heavenly sounds filled the night sky, one familiar piece of music strives to offer insight: the famous “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah. Here, an angelic choir welcomes the presence and power of Christ, accompanied by a symphony that has been treasured for centuries: an earthly interpretation of the sound of that sacred evening.
The celebration of that night more than 2,000 years ago is a preview of what is to come: the celebration that will break out when the Lamb, white as snow, sits at the head of the table, waiting for his bride to arrive. We can see the parallels between the angels’ announcement to the shepherds, the soaring music of Handel’s Messiah, and the “voice of a great multitude” shouting praise for the consummation of Christ and his church in Revelation 19:
Hallelujah!
To the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and rejoice
and give him the glory,
because the marriage of the Lamb has arrived,
and his Wife has prepared herself;
he was allowed to dress
with fine linen, bright and pure.
(Revelation 19:6-8, NIV)
In this passage, John witnesses the announcement of the definitive celestial marriage and the arrival of the bride of Christ, who has adorned herself in a series of luminescent garments worthy of a celestial ceremony. The intersection of Luke 2 and Revelation 19 presents images of Christ exalted first as a child on earth and then passionately praised and hailed as King of kings in heaven. Both scenes show the heavenly magnitude by which Christ is recognized as supreme and sovereign, and each reveals a heavenly host of worshipers dedicated to giving Him glory. In both passages we recognize the same symphony of salvation that proclaims the presence and power of Jesus. As we celebrate Advent, we are invited to make room for holy observation and take time to contemplate the wonder of his coming along with the glory of his eternal reign, participating in the same symphony of salvation.
Alexis Ragan is a creative writer and ESL instructor, passionate about global missions.
This article is part of The Eternal King arrives, a 4-week devotional to help individuals, small groups, and families navigate the 2023 Advent season . Find out more about this special issue that can be used in Advent or any time of year at http://orderct.com/adviento.
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