February 4

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, and good will towards men.—Luke 2:14.

THE birth of Jesus produced this illustrious song. A song, connected with God and men, and with heaven and earth. A song, which gives the highest glory to Jehovah, and which announces sweetest peace, and good will to men. Sin had eclipsed the Divine glory, violated the Divine command, and covered the seat of Divine majesty, with clouds and darkness. Jesus came expressly to reveal unto us the Father; that he might exhibit to a guilty world, the beauties of his divine perfection, especially the spotlessness of his holiness, and the boundlessness of his mercy and love. The glory of God is seen in every object creation presents to our eyes. The world is full of his glory. But in that redemption of which Christ's birth was the first grand step,

"The whole Deity is known;

Nor dares the creature guess

Which of the glories brightest shone,

The justice or the grace."

Sin had produced anarchy and rebellion in our earth, man was found in arms against God. And the face of God was against the sinner. But now appears the heavenly ambassador, who comes with a message of peace to rebel man, and to introduce the gospel of reconciliation by which heaven and earth should be united in bonds of harmony and love. Not only was Christ's appearance a token of peace, but also of "good will." God had revealed his mercy by prophets and priests: but now appears the pledge: now appears in an embodied form, the love of God, in that he does not spare his own son, but delivers him up for us all. His good will was so great, so inexpressibly great, that his own son is the appointed propitiatory sacrifice; that he might be the just God, and yet the Saviour. This good will also, includes the favour and fellowship of angels; they are not indifferent spectators, but are deeply interested in all that relates to the Divine glory, and in all that refers to human felicity. They greatly rejoice on the occasion, and in strains of exultation and joy, sing in delightful concert, "glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will towards men." We are now come to an innumerable company of angels. They minister to the saints on earth, and form one happy and unbroken fellowship with them in heaven. Do I rejoice in the sentiments contained in this celestial song? Am I concerned for the Divine glory? Have I peace with God through Christ; and do I participate in the gracious regards, the good will of God? The subject of the angels' song ought not only to be clear to our understanding, but full of glowing comfort and joy to our hearts.