The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed......Continued from page 1

11 for there is born to you [born as a gift to us-- John 3:16 ] this day in the city of David a Saviour. [the angel omits the name of Jesus, but gives the meaning of his name], who is the Christ [Messiah is the Hebrew and Christ is the Greek for our English word "anointed." Prophets, priests, and kings were anointed. Jesus held all these three offices for all our race for all eternity] the Lord.

 12 And this is the sign [The token by which to identify the child. A babe in a manger was not ordinary sight] unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. ["What fearful odds! What a strange contrast! Idolatry on the throne (in the person of Augustus Cæsar), and the founder of a new religion and a new empire lying in a manger!"]

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude [The event was too important to be heralded by any one angel. All heaven was interested in the departure of its Prince, and marveled at the grace of the Father who sent him-- 1 Peter 1:12 ] of the heavenly host [God's army ( 1 Kings 22:19 ; Psalms 103:20 Psalms 103:21 ). The Deity is called "God of Sabaoth"; that is, God of hosts or multitude ( Romans 9:29 ;