We’re often taught to think of the nativity as a quiet and ‘peaceful’ affair. But that’s hardly what the shepherds experienced when they saw and heard a vast army of angels blasting the news of Jesus’ birth at them, effectively scaring them out of their wits. And who wouldn’t freak out in that situation? After all, they had just got a terrifying glimpse of heaven on earth – which is exactly what Christmas is about – heaven and earth colliding together. As we consider the angels’ song in Lk 2:14 this Christmas Day, we’ll celebrate how Jesus’ birth brings glory and peace, God and people, and of course, heaven and earth together.
