Years ago I had the rare privilege of hearing a lecture in which the question was posed, “Did the angels actually sing to the shepherds on Jesus’ birthnight?” Instead of tackling this directly and trying to prove an historical fact, the lecturer asked a secondary question, “Have angels quit singing?” Many testimonies give evidence they have not, he claimed. People still receive guidance from “voices” they call “my angel.” People listen to heavenly harmony and find their lives set in peaceful channels. God’s messengers travel the earth bringing his assurance and direction still today. The lecturer concluded: “Since angels still sing, what basis do we have to doubt that they sang, yes, and in special glory, that night of nights.”

What I propose for this sermon is to take the story of Lazaru…