Verse 20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
Returned ... Great religious privilege did not release them from their prosaic task; and thus it is for all who share in the heavenly message of the Saviour. The most exalted influence of the Christian gospel in the lives of men does not release them from earthly duties.
Peace on earth ... How that echo of the angel's message must have thrilled and benefited them. Of course, it was not for long. Indeed the doors of the temple of Janus were closed when Christ was born, significant symbol of a world at peace; but the destruction of the Holy City itself loomed in the future. The peace the angel mentioned could not come except to them who would love and honor Christ, making it impossible for many.
Be the first to react on this!