Have a blessed Christmas all :The doctor never reported that the angels sang....!

One of my favourite books in the Bible is Gospel of Luke. Luke, as well as the Acts of the Apostles are supposed to have been written by the Greco-Syrian physician, Luke. Although not an eyewitness to the many of the events he reported on, he drew heavily on eye witness accounts about the life on Jesus as well as the events which took place around the early church. His accounts all carry the trademark attention to personal details and emotions.

His account of the night of Jesus birth has provided many of the inspirations for the celebration of Christmas. Unfortunately they have been pretty much distorted by romantic notions and more recent commercial interests.

"Hark!" The herald angels sang. Or did they? The romanticized accounts all have mass choir of angels celebrating proclaiming "Peace on earth, goodwill to men!". Fireworks in the sky even!

But careful reading of Luke's account actually shows us a very different reality. The angels appeared to shepherds in the darkness of the fields. Their appearance was not at all comforting. In fact they were a terrifying spectacle.The angels had to reassure the shepherds. They had a simple message. Luke documented that the angels spoke the message rather than sang. There was no musical performance in the sky. Yes, the angels were praising God, but praises can be uttered and not sang.

It was a terrifying spectacle. And an earthshaking message. There was to be a major paradigm shift in the affairs of men. Their Messiah had been born.

It is like that for other aspects of life, isn't it? Major paradigm shifts are often terrifying events. The mistake Management often makes is to ignore how unsettling and terrifying paradigm changes are to the workforce. There is often no peace on earth and goodwill to men, other than to those in political alignment. The angels did make it clear, "...and on earth, Peace to those on whom His favour rests."

Nonetheless, Gigamole would like to wish that you all have a very blessed Christmas.