And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.   And the angel said unto them, 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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord.   And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.   And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. (KJV)

In the past sixty plus years I have seen many news headlines.  I can remember the big new stories of the past and the stories that were in the news after those events had taken placed.  My first presidential election that I remembered was the Kennedy and Nixon election.  As I young boy I never realized how close it was and how much news was made about it at that time.  I just remembered my favorite activities at that time centered on playing outdoors with the kids in my neighborhood.  Since then there has been many more elections in our nation and as I have age I have realized much the results can be the leading stories of the day. 

However, soon after these November elections we start the process of entering the holiday season.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even College football bowl games.  For most people this time of the year is for stopping and reflecting on how wonderful the gift of family means to us.  I believe it time to turn off the news of this world and listen to the angels’ message to the shepherds who were out in the field working and doing their job of watching over their sheep,  This message of Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will to man is the message we need today.

These words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow were written at the time of the Civil War which was probably a lot more troubling then the time in which we are living in today.  This song was written at a time of great when we had a truly divided nation, and yet the more you research this song and the reason it was written the greater these words will become to your daily life.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
their old familiar carols play
and mild and sweet their songs repeat
of peace on earth good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
there is no peace on earth I said
for hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men