“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Thus sang the herald angels to the humble shepherds in celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus. On that wondrous night in Bethlehem, the shepherds came from their fields to honor the Christ child. Later, they spread the good tidings they had received, making “known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17).
The traditions of Christmas remember that sacred event. Today, Nativity scenes adorn churchyards, families gather from great distances, bells ring, carolers sing, and friends send Christmas cards, all in the spirit of spreading “good tidings of great joy . . . to all people” (Luke 2:10).
The first Christmas card is a good example of this legacy of good will. Commissioned in 1843 by Henry Cole and designed by British artist John Calcott Horsley, the hand-painted cards featured three panels. The center depicted a family gathered around a table at Christmas. Two side panels illustrated good deeds—one showed a woman clothing the naked, the other a man feeding the hungry. The card carried the greeting, “A merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you.”
With his card, Cole not only sent the message to his friends, “You are remembered,” but he also encouraged them to bless the lives of others by following the teachings of the Master whose birth they were celebrating.
At this glorious season, may we share our goodness and our greetings with all. May we be filled with love as was the “heaven-born Prince of Peace,” ¹who came that holy night so long ago.
Program #4034
¹“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Hymns, no. 209.