02.33. The First Christmas Anthem

33. THE FIRST CHRISTMAS ANTHEM. This was the burden of the first Christmas song, on the plains of Bethlehem, on the birth-night of the Savior. The messenger from the skies said to the shepherds:

"Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). And the heavenly choir repeated the declaration in angelic chorus:

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). The glad tidings of joy are ultimately to reach all people, Christ’s people, sinners. To say that one soul will be omitted from the saving influence of his grace and truth, is to charge the angels with falsehood, for then the glad tidings would not be to all people. The aged Simeon caught a glimpse of the truth when, taking the infant Jesus in his arms, he said:

"Lord, now let you your servant depart in peace, according to your word: For mine eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).