Let the Heavens Rejoice | Psalm 96 (95 Septuagint) | Orthodox Christian Liturgical Hymn | Russian Cross | Orthodox Christian Black Mug

And He hath properly called His work by a name which signifies good tidings. Yea, for it was a removal of punishment, and remissionof sins, and "righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption," and adoption, and an inheritance of Heaven, and a relationship unto the Son of God, which He came declaring unto all; to enemies, to the perverse, to them that were sitting in darkness. 

What then could ever be equal to these good tidings? God on earth, man in Heaven; and all became mingled together, angels joined the choirs of men, men had fellowship with the angels, and with the other powers above: and one might see the long war was brought to an end, and reconciliation made between God and our nature, the devil brought to shame, demons in flight, death destroyed, Paradise opened, the curse blotted out, sin put out of the way, error driven off, truth returning, the word of godliness everywhere sown, and flourishing in its growth, the polity of those above planted on the earth, those powers in secure intercourse with us, and on earth angels continually haunting, and hope abundant touching things to come. 

+ St John Chrysostom, Homily I on the Gospel According to St Matthew