Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Music has been called the speech of angels. I will go further and call it the speech of God Himself. Without words it is wonderful — blessed — one of God's best gifts to men. But in singing you have both the wonders together, music and words. Why is there music in heaven? Because in music there is no self-will. It goes on certain laws and rules which man did not make, but has only found out. Music is a pattern of the everlasting life of heaven, because in heaven, as in music, is perfect freedom and perfect pleasure; and yet that freedom comes not from throwing away law, but from obeying God's law perfectly; and that pleasure comes not from a self-will, and doing each what he likes, but from perfectly doing the will of the Father who is in heaven. And that in itself would be sweet music, even if there were neither voice nor sound in heaven. Some of us may not be able to make music with our voices; but we can make it with our hearts, and join in the angel's song this day, if not with our lips, yet in our lives. Christmas has always been a day of songs, of carols, and of hymns; and so let it be for ever. For on Christmas Day, most of all days (if I may talk of eternal things according to the laws of time) was manifested on earth the everlasting music which was in heaven. (Charles Kingsley.) Parallel Verses KJV: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,WEB: Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, |
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