Who said "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men"?

In the remarkable story of Jesus' birth, the night skies were filled with the awe of divine beings known as angels, heralding the arrival of a momentous event. They proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men," encapsulating a profound message of hope and harmony. It's fascinating how the account in the Gospel of Luke emphasizes that the angels "said" these words rather than singing them. This small detail often flies under the radar yet highlights the importance and urgency of the announcement that humanity was receiving a Savior.

Historically, angels in biblical texts often served as messengers, a kind of divine postal service, often appearing at critical junctions in time, like with Abraham and Sarah when they revealed the upcoming birth of Isaac. Their very presence causes awe—not just routine duty but a heavenly disturbance in the ordinary fabric of life. Even the people of old probably lingered with bated breath, for it was not everyday news that heroes were on the rise.

The announcement of Jesus' birth by these celestial beings symbolizes more than just a child's arrival; it's the dawn of the long-awaited promise of peace—an emphatic "yes" to all who seek tranquility amidst turmoil. Furthermore, that "goodwill to men" reflects a universal healing, visiting scorched earth to bring refreshment, reminding all that joy encompasses the humble and the meek. Each time we reflect on this moment, we connect back not only to a historical event but to the timeless quest for peace and goodwill in our own lives.