Mighty and Powerful
“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.””
- Luke 2:8-14 NASB
Robin Hood and His Merry Men…
Merry Christmas...
Merry
While at a Matt Maher Christmas concert a number of years ago now, Maher explained that the original, Old English definition of the word “Merry” was “Mighty and Powerful.”
I have never researched that for sure (Old English & Anglo-Saxon definitions are hard to find). However, I do trust and believe the source.
Merry = Mighty and Powerful?
Kind of changes things a bit doesn’t it?
Robin Hood and His Mighty & Powerful Men - though they may have been modern day merry at times, they did take from the rich and give to the poor. So, it does sound like a better description.
And how about this - Mighty and Powerful Christmas.
Now, with that in mind, think about our perception of angels. Sweet, angelic little lovable cupid types floating around on their snow white wings singing songs, etc. and so on. I’m not saying that’s a bad or even wrong perception. However, I’m not sure it’s biblical. You see, the angels we see in the bible were mighty and powerful warriors.
Kind of changes things a bit doesn’t it?
Is it any wonder that any time we see an angel in the Word one of the first things they say is, “Do not be afraid”? Is it any wonder that the quaking person falls to his knees and bows in fearful respect.
Right... a mighty and powerful angel suddenly appears with a message from God and he doesn’t want you to be afraid?
Now, let’s go to that night in the field with the shepherds. The night that Christ was born. The night that a host of angels appeared above them and told them of Jesus’ birth. These weren’t singy-songy angels singing a heavenly harmony. Though they might have been singing and it may have been beautiful, these were thousands of mighty and powerful warrior angels - MERRY if you would - announcing the birth of the Savior of the world, God’s only Son.
Kind of changes things a bit doesn’t it?
May you and yours have a happy and mighty & powerful Advent season... and a Mighty & Powerful Christmas
Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem
