One would be hard pressed to find a historical event with so many ramifications equal to these words from Saint Luke's Gospel. In fact, for the devout Christian there is no other! It is a moment when the universe seems to come to a standstill and the angels watch in troubled awe.

You and I observe from afar, indeed, a great distance. Unless we figuratively or literally read the passage on our knees, we are not apt to catch this sublime, serious moment. Yes, and our appreciation may very well remain at surface level, more or less. It is not a moment of timidity but one of pure gratitude.

Historians and theologians record these events today. It is nearly impossible to do so without commentary that shows biases and that is not all bad! Our faith is based upon a few historical happenings tha…