"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (KJV). So goes the lyrics of the song first heard over the hills of Bethlehem and since heard all over the world. Its sweet melody resounds throughout the universe. The angels hear it in all dialects and tongues. It is the choral response of a joyful world to the birthday of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus, called the Christ.

Who were among the first listeners to the most glorious song in history? It was poor shepherds with open hearts and who heard the message very clearly. So inspired were they that they immediately went looking for Jesus.

What was the message that precipitated their seeking Jesus? Glory to God is the message of Christmas. Peace on earth is the practice of Christmas and Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. Good will among men, is the result of Christmas.

In Handel's oratorio the announcement to Mary is a solo; this passage is a chorus. All the universe rejoices in the coming of the Savior. Even so, it is more than a solo and chorus it is an anthem.

It was utilized as an anthem in the early Christian church. In the fifth century, it was included in the Greek liturgy. The Gloria is the ideal anthem with worship, prayer, and creed in holy and sublime expression. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," is a powerful statement of the central theme in Christianity. Even so, it is more than a solo, chorus and anthem it is also a hymn.

In ancient times, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," was known as the Angelic Hymn. A hymn is to an anthem as common speech is to poetry. It sings of the everyday movements of the heart. It relates our soul's desire in the context of the Christian faith. It is a hymn in praise of peace. Even so, it is more than a solo, chorus, anthem and hymn it is also a doxology.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," Doxologies expresses highest praises to God and is usually attached to the conclusion of prayers, psalms, homilies and other worship forms. Passionate sincerity is the keynote, lifting the soul to illimitable heights. Man cannot think higher than "Glory to God."

As we near advent, let us rejoice in His coming. Let our hearts and souls be filled with His praises. Let "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," be our praise and prayer.

Gloria Patri

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.