17 September | EVERYONE
«And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’» Luke 2:13, 14
The angel of the Lord was announcing to the shepherds the birth of Jesus, when suddenly a crowd of heavenly beings appeared singing praises to God. The hymn they sang announced peace among men. It was the greatest gift of love that could be offered to people oppressed by the Roman power of those days. The peace that the angels mentioned had a name: Jesus. The beloved Son had come into the world to restore the deformed character of man and to teach him to be meek and humble of heart.
As long as men and women are far from God, they will always be selfish, proud, and arrogant. These are character traits that fuel conflicts and wars. Where there is no love and self-denial, there can be no peace. One will want to dominate the other, the strong will exploit the weak, and the rich will humiliate the poor.
Yet, on that chilly morning, God announced to the world that Jesus had been born and that there was no longer any reason to live in a spirit of constant strife. Jesus had arrived, a clean and crystal-clear water that enters the heart bringing peace. The source of life and happiness, water that washes and purifies, that generates the strength to be silent when necessary and to speak when it is wise and prudent to say a word.
Centuries have passed and men continue to run desperately in search of peace, while Jesus, with open arms, has not ceased to call and invite us to drink from the fountain of peace that truly satisfies.
Take Action
As a baby, the angels proclaimed that Jesus was already giving “glory to God in the highest,” thus evidencing His divine character. Do you also want to give glory to the Father? Sing “Glory to God in the Highest!” (if possible, with your family).