Track List

Track 7: Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Description:

“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” is a jubilant celebration of the angelic proclamation to the shepherds on the night of Yeshua’s birth. This orchestral piece captures the awe, excitement, and heavenly grandeur of that moment, inviting listeners to join in the celestial praise.

The composition opens with a grand orchestral fanfare featuring uplifting brass and strings. Triumphant percussion sets a festive and energetic tone, immediately drawing the listener into the magnificence of the scene. The music embodies the sudden burst of heavenly light and sound that startled the shepherds.

Lively strings and woodwinds convey the shepherds’ amazement and the swirling activity of the angels. A male lead vocal narrates the events with enthusiasm, while a full choir emulates the multitude of angels singing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” The choir’s powerful harmonies and soaring melodies create an atmosphere of unbridled joy.

“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” complements the devotion by highlighting the theme of divine revelation to the humble and lowly. It emphasizes the inclusivity of the good news, as the angels announce the Savior’s birth not to the elite, but to shepherds in the fields. The music celebrates this unexpected grace and the joy it brings.

The orchestration is rich and layered, with brass and percussion enhancing the celebratory feel. The dynamics rise and fall, mirroring the emotional peaks of the narrative—from the initial fear of the shepherds to their exhilaration upon receiving the message.

In the latter part of the track, the piece incorporates a key change and orchestral build-up, intensifying the sense of excitement as the shepherds decide to visit Bethlehem. The final chorus reaches a climactic finale with full orchestration and choir at peak intensity, symbolizing the unity of heaven and earth in praise.

From a devotional standpoint, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” serves as an invitation to participate in the celebration of Yeshua’s birth. It encourages believers to embrace joy and to recognize the significance of the Savior’s arrival. The track becomes a musical expression of worship and gratitude.

The piece also reflects on the transformative power of encountering the divine. The shepherds’ lives are forever changed by this heavenly visitation, a theme that resonates with personal experiences of divine encounters. The music captures the overwhelming sense of wonder and the impulse to share the good news.

“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” is a vibrant and uplifting addition to the album, infusing energy and exultation into the nativity narrative. Through its dynamic orchestration and spirited vocals, it enriches the devotional journey by reminding listeners of the joy inherent in the Christmas story.

In essence, the track is a musical embodiment of celebration—a call to lift our voices alongside the angels and to rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promises.

7. Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:8-14; Psalm 148:1-2; Hebrews 1:6

Deep Insight:

“Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” meaning “Glory to God in the highest,” captures the angelic proclamation to the shepherds. The angels announce, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people…” (Luke 2:10). This message is one of universal significance—salvation is available to all.

The choice of shepherds as the first recipients of this news is profound. Shepherds were considered lowly, yet God honors them with this divine revelation, emphasizing that His grace reaches all social standings. The multitude of heavenly hosts praising God signifies the cosmic importance of this event.

Psalm 148 calls all creation to praise the Lord: “Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts” (Psalm 148:2). The birth of Yeshua ignites a symphony of worship that echoes through heaven and earth. 

Practical Application:

The angels’ message is also for us today. Reflect on the “good news of great joy” in your life. How does Yeshua’s birth impact you personally? Consider how you can share this joy with others.

Embrace a posture of worship, joining the angels in glorifying God. Let praise be a natural response to His work in your life.

Prayer:

Glorious Father, we join the heavenly hosts in praising Your holy name. Thank You for the good news of Yeshua’s birth, bringing salvation to all people. Fill our hearts with great joy, and may our lives be a testament to Your glory. Help us to share this news with others, that they too may experience Your love. In Yeshua’s name, we pray. Amen.

Lyrics

7. Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Verse 1:

Shepherds on a hillside, watching flocks by night
Suddenly the sky awakes with heaven’s radiant light
An angel of the Lord appears, their hearts are filled with fear
“Do not be afraid,” he says, “good news for all is here”

Chorus:

Gloria, Gloria, glory to God on high
Peace on earth, goodwill to men, the Savior born tonight
Gloria, Gloria, lift your voices and sing
Emmanuel has come to us, salvation He will bring

Verse 2:

“This will be a sign to you,” the angel does proclaim
“A baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, in a manger laid”
Suddenly a multitude of heavenly hosts above
Singing praises to the Lord, declaring His great love

Chorus:

Gloria, Gloria, glory to God on high
Peace on earth, goodwill to men, the Savior born tonight
Gloria, Gloria, lift your voices and sing
Emmanuel has come to us, salvation He will bring

Chorus:

Gloria, Gloria, glory to God on high
Peace on earth, goodwill to men, the Savior born tonight
Gloria, Gloria, lift your voices and sing
Emmanuel has come to us, salvation He will bring

Verse 2:

“This will be a sign to you,” the angel does proclaim
“A baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, in a manger laid”
Suddenly a multitude of heavenly hosts above
Singing praises to the Lord, declaring His great love

Chorus:

Gloria, Gloria, glory to God on high
Peace on earth, goodwill to men, the Savior born tonight
Gloria, Gloria, lift your voices and sing
Emmanuel has come to us, salvation He will bring

Bridge:

Shepherds hurry to the town, their hearts filled with delight
They find the child as they were told, on that holy night

Chorus:

Gloria, Gloria, glory to God on high
Peace on earth, goodwill to men, the Savior born tonight
Gloria, Gloria, lift your voices and sing
Emmanuel has come to us, salvation He will bring

Chorus:

Gloria, Gloria, glory to God on high
Peace on earth, goodwill to men, the Savior born tonight
Gloria, Gloria, lift your voices and sing
Emmanuel has come to us, salvation He will bring

Chord Chart