For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
I can't read that verse without thinking of my very favorite Christmas record (yes, record), which was recorded by The Harry Simeone Chorale. I grew up listening to that record, and it is still my favorite. One of the songs repeats that verse almost verbatim.
But the focus of it today, from Matthew Henry's Daily Readings, is more on the angels' message than on the birth. The message of the angels was "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will to men." "God's goodwill in sending the Messiah brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon him. This is a faithful saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptation, that the good-will of God toward men is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth. The shepherds lost no time, but came with haste to the place. They were satisfied, and made known abroad conerning this child, that he was the Savior, even Christ the Lord. Mary carefully observed and thought upon all these things, which were so suited to enliven her holy affections. We should be more delivered from errors in judgment and practice, did we more fully ponder these things in our hearts. It is still proclaimed in our ears that to us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord. These should be glad tidings to all."
Let us remember that one of the main points of the gospel message is "peace." I think we are guilty of forgetting that. I know Westboro Baptist Church has sure forgotten that.
Grace and peace, friends.