We feels as did Paul in Acts 17:16 -- stirred by the paganism around us which purports to be a celebration of Christ's birth. As did the apostle, so will we attempt to preach the truth concerning the birth of our Redeemer. It is appropriate that the birth of Christ be the occasion of joyful announcement by the angels. They had long been looking into the matter of how the Lord would save His elect. "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they (prophets) did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into," 1 Peter 1:12. The birth of Christ was the fulfillment of many wonderful promises. None more wonderful than Isaiah 7:14. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel," Isaiah 7:14. I wish this evening to note the joyfulness that surrounded this event.