The beauty of Christmas is that it brings us back to the night heaven touched earth, when angels proclaimed the birth of the Savior. Phil Wickham's rendition of "Angels (Glory To God)" carries the timeless message of the classic carol "Angels We Have Heard On High," but adds a fresh sense of awe as we declare, "Glory to God in the highest forever." In the opening refrain, "Gloria in excelsis Deo," we are invited to join the heavenly chorus, echoing the angels' praise over the plains and mountains. This song of the angels isn't just for that night in Bethlehem but continues to reverberate through time, calling us to lift our voices in joyful adoration. As the shepherds heard the angelic proclamation, they were moved to respond with wonder and jubilee. In the same way, we are invited to consider why this news of Jesus' birth brings such joy. His coming is the fulfillment of every promise, the embodiment of God's unfailing love. The bridge of this song reminds us: "Glory to God in the highest forever." This is a declaration not just for Christmas but for all seasons of life. Christ's birth marks the beginning of God's great rescue plan, His relentless pursuit of humanity. In every moment, whether in joy or trial, we can sing with the angels, for God's love endures forever. As we come to the final verse, we are beckoned to Bethlehem, to come and see the newborn King. There, on bended knee, we recognize that Jesus, the Lord of all creation, chose to humble Himself and take on flesh. The angels' song wasn't just a fleeting moment of glory—it was the prelude to the ultimate display of God's love on the cross. This Christmas, let the song of the angels awaken your heart to the wonder of the gospel. Just as the angels couldn't contain their praise, let your life be a reflection of their song—declaring glory to God in the highest, forever. Reflection: How does the message of the angels challenge you to respond to Christ this Christmas? In what areas of your life can you lift your voice in praise, declaring "Glory to God" for His faithfulness and love? This Christmas, may your heart sing, "Gloria, in excelsis Deo!"

You called my name, and I ran out of that grave! We as followers of Jesus can proclaim this because of who He is and what He has done. Sin doesn't just make us bad; it makes us dead. We were all in desperate need of a Savior. Not only did Jesus die for our sin, but he was raised to everlasting life! He was the first to run out of that grave, and when we trust him with our lives we are right there with him in glory—eternal life both now and forever. In John 11, Jesus raises a dead man to life, crying out at his tomb: “Lazarus, come out!” He says the same to you and to me: “_________, come out!” He knows your name, and calls you out of your grave. Get up! Unwind the grave clothes of sin and shame, you have been set free, raised to glorious life because of Jesus' resurrection. All the chains of your past and the worries for your future have been swallowed up forever in victory. Scripture says that the very same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is living in each of us who follow Jesus. This is a reality for you today. You can therefore declare confidently that God has called your name, and Jesus has defeated whatever threatens to entangle, discourage, or thwart you from this promise today. Jesus, because of you, I have a future and my eyes are open. Thank you for calling my name! I worship you and give you glory. Let me not be taken down by apathy, entangled by old sins, or paralyzed by fear and discouragement. I believe chains break at the weight of your glory. Help me remember who you are, whose I am, and live a life that brings you glory. In your name, Amen. Based on the song Glorious Day by Jason Ingram, Jonathan Smith, Sean Curran, Kristian Stanfill. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the live album - Passion: Worthy Of Your Name, featuring worship songs from Passion Band, Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Jimi Cravity & more!