Govert Flinck (1615–1660) “Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds”Reading: Luke 2.8-14 – “Shepherds and Angels”
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
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Good news of great joy… For every woman, every man… This will be a sign to you… A baby born in Bethlehem… Come and worship… Do not be afraid
A company of angels… Glory in the highest… And on the earth peace among… Those of whom His favor rests… Oh, come and worship… Do not be afraid, no, no
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… He has done great things for me… Great things for me
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Play Audio – “My Soul Magnifies the Lord” – Chris Tomlin
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Unto you a child is born… Unto us a Son is given… Let every heart prepare His throne… And every nation under Heaven… Come and worship Do not be afraid, no, no
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul magnifies the Lord… He has done great things for me… Great things for me
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul magnifies the Lord… He has done great things for me… Great things for me
Of His government there will be no end… He’ll establish it with His righteousness… And He shall reign on David’s throne… And His name shall be from this day on… Wonderful, Counselor, Everlasting Father… Wonderful, Counselor His name shall be Everlasting Father
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… He has done great things for us… He has done great things for us… He has done great things for us… He has done great things for us
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul magnifies the Lord… He has done great things for me… Great things for me
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord… My soul magnifies the Lord… He has done great things for me… Great things for me… He has done great things… He has done great things
Peanut Gallery: “The Annunciation” has inspired artists over the centuries, just as it inspires us today. The classical paintings included here come from the amazing website – The Life of Jesus Christ… please check it out, it is a treasure trove of clasical paintings and includes many more of the Annunciation.
I have included Kenny G’s rendition of “Ave Maria” to complement quiet reflection. Please click on audio link.
Annunciation, John William Waterhouse, 1914Annunciation, Fra Angelico, 1438Annunciation, Titian, 1522Annunciation, Antonello da Messina, 1474The Cestello Annunciation, Sandro Botticelli, 1489Annunciation, John CollierAnnunciation, Jean Hey, Master of Moulins, 1490-5
Annunciation, Peter Paul Rubens, 1610
Annunciation, George Hitchcock, 1887
Please follow this link to The Life of Christ for more “Annunciation” paintings.
The Peanut Gallery 