Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/450

 When the  angels  had  disappeared,  the  shepherds  said  one to another:  “Let  us  go  over  to  Bethlehem,  and  see  the  word that has  come  to  pass,  which  the  Lord  hath  shown  us.”  Going in haste,  they  found  Mary  and  Joseph  in  the  stable,  and  the new-born Babe  lying  in  the  manger.

The shepherds  adored  Him,  and  went  back  to  their  flocks, praising and  glorifying  God  for  the  wonders  they  had  seen  and heard. All the  people  that  heard  these  things  from  the  shepherds were astonished. But Mary  kept  all  these  things,  pondering  them in her  heart.

And after  eight  days  the  Child  was  circumcised,  and  His  name was called  Jesus,  that  is,  Saviour,  as  the  angel  had  commanded.

Glory to  God  in  the  highest. Our  redemption  began  at  the  Birth of Jesus  Christ. For this  reason  the  angels  rejoiced  and  sang: “Glory to God!”  The  unbelief  and  disobedience  of  man  had  robbed  God  of the  honour  due  to  Him. Jesus Christ  restored  the  honour  of  God  by being  obedient  to  His  heavenly  Father,  even  unto  death  on  the  cross, and by  teaching  the  one  true  faith  in  God  and  the  one  true  worship of  God.

Peace to  men  of  good  will.  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  brought peace to  man  by  reconciling  earth  to  heaven,  and  winning  pardon and grace  for  us. This peace  on  earth,  which  leads  to  the  eternal  peace of heaven,  can  only  be  obtained  by  those  men  who  are  of  good  will, i. e.  by  those  who  are  willing  to  believe  the  doctrines  of  Christ,  and who correspond  with  His  grace. The shepherds  were  men  of  good will; they believed  the  angel,  and  hastened  to  obey  his  injunctions. It is