1235 Silent Night

listen not
Listen to Silent Night

Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,

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And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Lk. 2:13-14)

An angel, messenger sent by God to carry out His purposes, preaches the first gospel sermon. Poor, humble, despised shepherds the congregation. A dirty, smelly barn the church. Christ the Savior is born the message. Message preached, the heavenly host praises God saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” The angels know the glory, the greatness, the grace of God given to mankind. With this little Baby cradled in the manger He has brought salvation to the world. The angels know the sinfulness and misery of fallen man for which this little Baby has come as Savior. They understand the joy, the hope, the peace this Baby’s mission will impart to those who choose to receive His message, His gift, in their lives. They praise God fervently because they understand clearly what Christ has come to accomplish.

God’s good will toward men proclaimed by the angels—glory to God in the highest. Though we may not have good will toward God, He has good will toward us. Though we may curse God, He has not poured His curse on us. Though we have broken His Laws, He extends His grace to us. His will extends so much good toward us that He says, “Come now, and let us reason together . . . Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Is. 1:18). If we doubt the angel’s message let us turn to that Baby lying in the manger and hear Him speak to our heart,

“Sinner, if I had not a good will towards thee, would I have parted with my Son? If I had not good will towards the human race, would I have given up my Son to become one of that race that He might by so doing redeem them from death?” Ye that doubt the Master’s love, look ye to that circle of angels . . . He has good will to men; He is willing to pardon; He passes by iniquity, transgression, and sin. (Spurgeon, The First Christmas Carol).

Do you know God’s good will toward you personally? Have you experienced the angels’ message in your life? If so, won’t you join them right now and give praise to God, glorifying and proclaiming peace to everyone He brings into your life. Let this message permeate your soul as you proclaim, “Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia.”

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