Here's a Christmas insight from the Preacher to the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM, Cap. "In the past this expression [of what the angels sang on the night of the first Christmas] was translated differently, that is, as 'Peace on earth to men of good will.' In these words the expression entered into the Gloria and it became common in Christian language. After Vatican II this expression was used to indicate all the honest, who seek the true and the common good, whether or not they be believers.
"But it is an inexact translation and for this reason it has been abandoned today. In the original biblical text it is a matter of men who are loved by God, who are the object of the divine good will, not that they themselves are gifted with good will. In this way the proclamation becomes more consoling. If peace were accorded to men on account of their good will, then it would be limited to a few, to those who merit it; but since it is accorded through God's good will, through grace, it is offered to all. Christmas is not an appeal to the good will of men but a radiant proclamation of the good will of God toward men."
Merry Christmas!
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