The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed......Continued from page 2

14 Glory to God in the highest [in the highest heavens-- Job 16:19 ; Psalms 148:1 ], And on earth peace among men [The angels invoke blessing on God and peace upon man. Peace between God and man, and ultimately peace between man and man] in whom he is well pleased. [The love of God is shed abroad upon all, even the vilest of sinners ( Romans 5:8 ; 1 Timothy 1:15 ); but his peace comes upon those who have accepted his Son, and in whom he is therefore especially well pleased ( Romans 9:11 ). Peace is the unfailing apostolic salutation toward Christians ( Romans 1:7 ; 1 Corinthians 1:3 ; 2 Corinthians 1:2 , etc.), and is attainable in the highest degree by Christians only-- John 14:27 ; 16:33 ; Colossians 3:15 ; Philippians 4:7 .]

15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

17 And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about the child. [They were the first evangelists. Among the heralds of Christ we note one great prophet, John the Baptist, and one learned Pharisee, Paul; the rest are shepherds, fishermen, and publicans, yet their gospel has triumphed over the wisdom of men ( 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 ; 2 Corinthians 4:7 ). The shepherds were moved to publish by the same spirit which actuated the lepers at Samaria-- 2 Kings 7:9 .]