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

When the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men," it was an extraordinary moment that illuminated the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. According to the Gospel of Luke, this angelic announcement happened right after the shepherds received their unexpected visitors. Nowhere in the text does it actually state that the angels sang—though we often picture classic scenes of celestial choirs. You might even chuckle when you consider how many Christmas carols depict the event as one big heavenly concert!

Beyond the cute carols, "goodwill to men" has sparked intriguing discussions. This message isn't just about peace across nations; it appeals to how humans can relate to one another. Fun fact: the Greek term historically reflected community ties and mutual care, thus inspiring acts of altruism across generations.

But let’s not forget where the angels appeared. Shepherds, traditionally looked down upon in society, received this life-changing proclamation. Their inclusion reinforces a theme we see throughout scriptures: God’s message is for everyone—regardless of social standing. Think about it—who would’ve thought that the first recipients of such incredible news would be the folks watching over sheep?

So, while we celebrate the imagination of song, let’s dive a bit deeper and remember that the angelic words were meant to inspire peace, togetherness, and hope for all—a powerful reminder that the essence of the Christmas story continues to shine beyond the holiday season!