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

When the angels declared, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men," they set the stage for a monumental moment in history. This announcement in Luke 2:13-14 marks the birth of Jesus, a humble birth in Bethlehem that would resonate throughout every corner of the world.

What’s fascinating here is the detail about the angels merely 'saying' this glorious message rather than singing it. It reflects a straightforwardness that underscores the importance of their proclamation. Singing often evokes emotion and euphoria, while speaking can instill clarity and urgency. By speaking, the angels focused on imparting essential truths rather than choosing poetic embellishments, perhaps emphasizing the message’s immediacy.

This proclamation, designated to "men," alludes to the avenue for goodwill to flourish universally, embodying a key theme in biblical teachings about peace and fellowship amongst humanity. When one listens closely, echoes of this message can be found throughout scripture—the desire for peace echoing all the way back to the prophetic words in Isaiah, who heralded a coming prince of peace.

Finally, the celebration of Jesus’ birth spills into holiday traditions around the globe, prompting reflections on generosity, kindness, and connectedness. Each time we hear this proclamation, whether sung or spoken, we’re invited to consider how to embody the peace and goodwill the angels so fervently proclaimed.