Religion, philosophy, spirituality writ large
The first “Noel” the angel said was to certain poor shepherds as they lay in fields—in fields where they lay while keeping their sheep on a cold, deep winter night. Noel! The king of Israel is born!
They looked up and saw a star shining far beyond them in the east. It gave great light to earth and continued like that both day and night. Noel! The king of Israel is born!
[Original Text: traditional carol, author unknown]
Shepherds of old far, far away on Judea’s plains heard the joyous melody: “Glory in the highest to God. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill to everyone!”
This melody of redeeming love is a sweet message of mercy from heaven above. “Glory in the highest to God. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill to everyone!”
We would rejoice with the angels, too, Lord. Help us to sing with the heart and voice: “Glory in the highest to God. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill to everyone!”
Hasten the time when people from all regions shall unite in the sublime melody: “Glory in the highest to God. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill to everyone!”
[Original Text: John Menzies Macfarlane]
The angel of the Lord came down at night while shepherds watched their flocks. They were all seated on the ground, and glory shined around. He said, “Fear not,” for mighty dread had seized their troubled minds. “I bring to you and all humankind glad tidings of great joy.”
“To you this day the Savior who is Christ the Lord is born of David’s line in David’s town. And this shall be the sign: you shall find the heavenly babe displayed to human view there, wrapped humbly in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.”
That’s what the seraph said, and then a shining throng of angels praising God appeared immediately after. They sang this joyful song: “All glory to God on high and peace on the earth. Henceforth let goodwill from heaven to all people begin and never cease.”
[Original Text: Nahum Tate, derived from Luke 2:8-14]