IN all literature there is nothing, perhaps. more familiar to the Christian world, or more exquisite withal, than Luke's recounting of the vision of the shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem when the angel brought to them word of the birth of Jesus. Nothing has ever been written which appeals to the thought of humanity with a greater sense of joy and hope. How simple and yet how beautiful is this picture of the faithful shepherds, "keeping watch over their flock by night;" and "the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid."
Then came the comforting assurance that they were not to fear, because the angel brought "good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." After that there was the wonderful news, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord;" and the final marvelous praising of God by the "multitude of the heavenly host," saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Here is the story of what may be called the greatest event in all human history, and the one which is fraught with deepest interest and value to all mankind. Here is a recording of the coming of the Christ, who is to save all people, and who is to glorify God "in the highest," bringing "on earth peace, good will toward men." In this occasion, which marked the beginning of what is known as the Christian era. we have a tremendous impulsion in that insistent march towards the spiritualization of all things,—that march which will never cease until all men shall have reached the understanding of the Christ, Truth, and peace on earth shall be universally understood and realized.
