, 1872-12-23

is Christ the Lord" This message to men and angels is
asto1y without an end whose fuliness VII ~ .a al
angelic choir: "Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth peace, good will to men,"
The Angel Doxoogy-This song was no unmeaning
chorus in wkic wptls, scnse and sentiment were s:e-
tinced to musical effect. L not Latin Mas no
I:a, O;cr1, to be admired by and:enccs, one half Ct
it vas fashionable. It wns the integioe expression
from celestial spirits Of their appreciation as manifest
ed n mans 1edemptionant assr1ptlpa Of Praise
of the Divine attributes: revealing The love
md sympathy Of angels - for AN men, nase tie
birth vas celebrated i indicated also he offices and
occupation Of the angelic hosts.
Glory to God in tha highest,
Glory to God-peace on earth-Good will to men.
The two last ara the cause and occasion Of
the arst. Though God is infinitely glorious IN
is manifested and declared BY the works q HIS
aands, and the operations Of Ills power. hence: .
iu ell places Of his dominion to pra!se the Lord what
ta=eue can describe the swelling grandeas n;ees o. o.
that ey anthem IN a ~ hsh m aG Tpfcet fo te o
Hsaa Il Il e e.. psss VICIOUS W worEs outaono.
IN the inca1nation see how. from the utmost
height Of exhatstion Divine love stoops to the
then at tie nanger. Hearken to the angel message
then seek the infant Jesus. In the Of man, the
fifunent Of rophesy and the budding Of the Divine
promise, unfolding :" peace On earth, good WILL 10
men"
Tbs in inspiration Of the angels song was the
plan Of ealyaton-uan's redemption through
Him II, int he mab q redeem those that were
der the 1aw.n Bethlehem AID Calvary, the manger
and the Cross, the nativity and the atonement are n
peace and reconciliation Of which the angels sang must
be purchased by savior's blood. Il is said th%t
tsayeller resting the spot where few months be-
hafth rolled. modest, E10W-
7hn flower blooming Hweet1y from the broken helmet
of xen warrior shedding its peaceful a
its tnofensive life to soil enriched
orisl to the bereaved who wcpt their loved ones ab-
zence! -There is flower whose seed was waited ny
the spirits breath from Edsn's bowers growing % on
ed in the earthly mould, the helmet Of fn1en human
iy, whose rich perfume breathes peace to man. The
nas so bao a " the
flower whose sweet smelling savor ascending before
the throne on high, makes reconciliation between God
t and an eaes to tae troubled cocience
salvation to the soul Oh in tue birth Of the Lily
q the din Of tRs Hoso 70 oa N
carry that flower upon our bosoms, press u 70 our
heart of hearts, and with heart and LIP unite In Tue
angel chorus ot that Christmas Eve nineteen hundred
Good viii to men. -.
Bear with me few moments and I have done.
cause On that eve God laid His uspeazabe gift ii the
nanger as token Of His good will. gift is the
most unselhsh evidence of affection. Words and
smiles cost but little; rewards are but consideration
for services rendered. that which is given for purpose
OF in expectation Of return spEings from selhshnass
but free gift is the trueat expression OF berevoence
and lore Gods good will to the procuring cause
Of our good will to Him. Though freely given, His
gift demands return. When our affection for cur
loved ones finds expression the coming Christmas
eve shall God be forgotten7 Will yonder earoeRs and
impentent deny Him contrite heart and conse-
Grated life VIII yonder money loving professor shut
up bowels OF his compassion to the poor? viii the
unforgivipg still retain their enmity7 Gods good
will to u1au demands good will among men-loVe to
God and love to man, that seeks, expression
in broken spirit and contzite heart III
acts Of kindness and deeds OF charity
Nothing 60 fills the sous Of saints and angels with
gratitude and praise exhibition OF redeenlng
grace seen in acts Of kindness and deadR Of love-
shining forth in the Nves and characters Of those
Chrisess. It Is like beholdng the return and recon-
ciliat1ou Of the prodgal. have seen tho evergreen
aud all the children Of tie forest weep tears Of Joy
the fond Of spring soften the heart Of
have seen the melting reveal thu hidden flower
beneath. have seen the moten rock sweat drops Of
gold that stood in shining beads upon is hard and
rugged face but what such slght8 rs these when
compared with tears Of peoence flowers OF grace and
eltings Of the heart u1ed in the heat Of redeeing
lore.
Glory to God in the highest peace earth and good
Will among men.