Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests — the Gloria in Excelsis is the theological summary of the incarnation: glory is directed upward to God in the highest; peace is given downward to those on earth. Peace (eirēnē) is the messianic shalom — the comprehensive well-being of God's restored community. To those on whom his favor rests (en anthrōpois eudokias, among people of good will or of divine good pleasure) — the peace is the gift of God's gracious election, not the reward of human achievement.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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