Luke 2:14

This is the praise the heavenly host sings at the birth of Jesus, joining the angel who first announced the news to the shepherds. In one short burst of worship, heaven declares what the birth of the Saviour accomplishes: it gives glory to God and brings peace to earth. The two halves of the song hold together the vertical and the horizontal -- God exalted on high, and humanity blessed below.

"Glory to God in the highest" lifts all honor to God, whose plan of salvation is now unfolding. The coming of Christ displays God's goodness, faithfulness, and love, and so it calls forth praise from the highest heavens. "On earth peace, good will toward men" announces the gift that this birth brings to the world. The peace spoken of is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the deep wholeness and reconciliation that God offers through His Son. And it flows from God's good will -- His gracious favor toward people. The angels see clearly what the world barely noticed that night: that in this child, God's glory and humanity's peace meet. The song teaches us how to respond to the gospel -- with worship that ascends to God and with peace that takes root in our lives and relationships.