Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Friday evening Rebekah and I walked into Krakow to meet Andrew and Alicia for dinner at a delicious local restaurant, then we all walked through the Old Town for lessons and carols at the Catholic church.

It is a beautiful setting, the priest is someone who shares a lot of positive life in his leadership and the service included several of the less popular but very wonderful carols I had forgotten that I love so much.

Just before the service they need a couple of extra readers and somehow the seventh Bible lesson drops into my lap. It is, interestingly, part of the scripture from Luke 2 I had quoted in this blog five days ago.

Respecting the protocols:

I watch the other participants carefully to make sure I respect the protocols of the church when it is my turn. They all pause and bow to the cross on their way to the lectern, then repeat the gesture on the way back to their seats. So I determine to do the same.

They all also read their parts “straight.” By that I mean they read with care and respect, but without much in the way of expression.

This is something I have noted for years, in churches of every denomination. People – even clergy – tend to miss the sense that the Bible is thrilling or tense or sad or awesome or funny; and – also – they read without regard to the quotation marks that indicate a character in the story is speaking.

When they conclude, with a tepid “The word of the Lord…” the congregation’s response – and this happens all the time – tends to reflect the passion of the speaker and leads to a halfhearted, “Thanks be to God.”

The LIVING Word!

When I reach the lectern I read the introduction, “This reading is from the Holy Gospel of Luke;” but then I address the congregation before beginning the text.

“This passage also happens to be a responsive reading,” I say. “The last sentence is a shout of praise from a heavenly host of angels. You all are that heavenly host, so that’s your line. And I want you to read out loud with enthusiasm and joy, so that this sanctuary rings with praise!”

It is a bit of a risk. But I see people nodding and smiling. And so I begin, speaking with passion and expression, and giving the Angel of the Lord (verse 10) a big voice:

“There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

“Suddenly…” I continue, with a pronounced pause and a sense of anticipation, “a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying…” I throw my arms out wide in invitation, and the congregation responds on cue, beautifully and in unison:

“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST HEAVEN,
   AND ON EARTH PEACE TO THOSE ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS!”

And it rings out, friends; it is beautiful. I wait a moment to let the echo of praise still before completing my task with, “The word of the Lord!…” The response comes with real meaning, “THANKS BE TO GOD!”

Seriously, y’all, thanks be to God – DEREK