Listening for the Angel Voices

There is a beautiful hymn that I love very much and think of often in the early morning hours of the day. It is hymn #36.

Church of the ever-living God,
the Father’s gracious choice;
Amid the voices of this earth
how mighty is Thy voice.
Thy words amid the words of earth,
how noiseless and how pure:
Amid the hurrying crowds of time
Thy step how calm and sure.
Amid the restless eyes of earth,
how steadfast is Thine eye,
fixed on the silent loveliness
that fills the morning sky.

That is only part of this lovely hymn, but I pray with those words for myself at the dawn of each new day. So, now first thing upon rising, instead of running to check my phone, looking for emails, catching up on the news, etc., I remind myself to fix my eyes on the “silent loveliness that fills the morning sky.” And my, it is always so lovely! I remind myself to take time in total silence to listen for the angel voices. I spend more time prayerfully in silent communion with the Father. It is wonderful, and really, the only way to start the day.

And how about the “hurrying crowds of time” especially at this busy holiday season? Remember to keep your step “calm and sure.” No need to hurry. We have been instructed, “pressure is animal magnetism.” You cannot hear the Father’s voice if you are rushing about.

And His voice, as the hymn states, is mighty and noiseless and pure. We must be quiet in order to hear this noiseless, pure voice. It is why Mrs. Eddy says, “I love to observe Christmas in quietude.” Shut out all the clatter and the clamor. Sit quietly and listen. The benefits of this practice are manifold.

In Deuteronomy we read, “Out of heaven He made thee to hear His voice, that He might instruct thee.” Yes, God actually made us, created us with the innate ability to hear His voice. Isn’t that wonderful? He made us to hear His voice and He is instructing us and guiding us in all our ways.

So, this Christmas season and throughout the year, remember this beautiful Hymn. Let it help determine your morning hours and let your entire day be one of constant communion with your heavenly Father. Hear the angelic voices sing! Your Christmas will surely be one of peaceful and joyful blessedness.