What did the angels mean in their words to the shepherds?

Several interesting (to me, anyway) questions to be answered about what the angels said to the shepherds on Christmas night.

What one New Testament verse contains the two most common phrases found in Christmas music?
I’d have to be clear that I haven’t done a statistical study on this question, and I have no intention of doing so. But if you’ve done much singing or listening at all during the Christmas season you’ve come across these: “Glory to God in the highest” (also rendered as“In excelsis Deo”). and “Peace on earth, good will to men.” These are words recorded in the Gospel of Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Two very short statements with a depth of meaning. Here are some questions and answers to help tease out some of that significance:

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