first gift

Here it is Wednesday. Two week before we celebrate the birth of Jesus. And I am teaching in my bible studies about the symbols of Christmas. One of the things I discovered in my research that surprised me the most was the meaning of the word "Host."

I always thought that the "Heavenly Host," the "Angelic Host," or what-ever you call the vast amount of Angels who appeared to the shepherds was just a vast choir. The Angelic Singers. But they weren't. The word "host" in the orignal language means -an army, a band of soliders. That Angelic choir was dressed in full battle gear. They didn't just sing "Glory to God" and then return to the heavenlies.

When they disappeared from the view of the shepherds they began to battle. After learning the meaning of the word "Host" I now picture those Angels going before the shepherds on the way to Bethlehem protecting them. There was a great battle going on that night in the hills of Judea.

And there is a great battle going on today in the hills of Vacaville. Are we just singing a pretty little holiday tune, or are we ready to battle the enemy and show the Christ child to anyone who is willing to look for him?