The Angel’s Song

Luke 2:9-12 (NRSV)

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:

Luke 2:9-12 (NRSV)

to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:13-14 (NRSV)

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Longfellow“I heard the bells on

Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols

play, And wild and sweet

The words repeat Of peace on earth, Good-will to men!

LongfellowBut in despair I bowed my

head;“There is no peace on

earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, Good-will to men!”

LongfellowThen pealed the bells more

loud and deep:“God is not dead, nor doth he

sleep; The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail, With peace on earth, Good-will to men.”

PeaceSomething that was

fractured or broken is made whole again

Luke 1:79 (NRSV)

He will guide our feet into the way of peace.

The First and Greatest Christmas

Carols