Article March 25, 1944 Issue

Hearing Angels

ADAH M. JANDT

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." What sweeter song has ever been recorded than this which the shepherds heard on the hillside, while "keeping watch over their flock by night." almost two thousand years ago! Year after year, we hear the story with never-changing interest .

Perhaps we marvel that only the simple shepherds heard the "good tidings'" on that blessed night. There they were, doing their work, faithfully tending and guarding the sheep in their charge, doubtless never anticipating any special spiritual event. But must not their thought have been prepared to some extent for the heavenly message? Yes although the religion of their time seemed to consist largely of forms and human doctrines, yet, as always, there were devout, spiritually-minded ones, like themselves, who discerned the higher import of the Scriptures and kept the spiritual light glowing. Previous to this, "an angel of the Lord" had appeared to Zacharias and told him he was to have a son, John, who was to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord." and later, the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she was to give birth to the holy child, Jesus.

There must, indeed, have been much deep spiritual thinking and striving in those days among the little group of Israelites who inhabited Palestine. And not only were the angels heard, but their promises were fulfilled, culminating in the appearing of the long-excepted Messiah as the babe Jesus, of whom the angel said to the shepherds: "Fear not: for behold. I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." All through the Bible are instances of angels bringing messages of joy, comfort, and guidance to many spiritually-minded ones.

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