The answer is: Angels

Luke 2:13-14 - It is interesting to note that the angels 'said' and did not sing as we are led to believe by many of our popular hymns.

When the angels declared, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men," they were delivering a powerful message that carried remarkable significance. It's fun to recognize that they weren't singing! Instead, this proclamation was a bold statement announcing something transformative—an intervention and presence of the divine in an earth gripped by oppression and turmoil.

Historically, during the time of Jesus’ birth, the Roman Empire dominated much of the known world, creating a society filled with both hopes for change and fears of political oppression. The angels' message was not just a pretty phrase; it's a reminder of God's nature and intentions toward humanity. Interestingly, this yearn for peace resonates across cultures and texts—think of how it echoes through the prophetic literature that sought a bringing together of nations under a vision of divine justice.

And let’s not forget, the celebration of the angels' visit links deeply to themes found throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, messages of peace often accompany divine encounters, from the burning bush to Gideon's meeting with an angel. The proclamation isn’t just for that moment; it has rippled through time, resonating in songs, artworks, and gatherings within communities of hope. So when we read this heavenly announcement, we see not just a birth, but the unfolding of a narrative that crosses ages, continuously inviting people towards goodwill, unity, and overarching peace.