And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11
Angels came and announced the news of his birth. Just think about it, angels! I don’t think I have ever seen an angel, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen one without knowing it (Heb. 13:2). Scripture tells us they are real, and angels have appeared in a number of places. An angel appeared to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin). An angel appeared to Mary and to Joseph. Angels were an important part of Christ’s birth.
What is the purpose of angels? The author of Hebrews wrote this: Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14)? When the angels appeared on that silent night to the shepherds, they came to serve their hearers by announcing the good news, news of one – the only one – who could bring us salvation from our sins.
God sent the angels. They didn’t come on their own; they came to do what God told them to do. God wanted the world to know what he was doing. It wasn’t a secret; it was to be shouted from the heavens. He sent these glorious creatures who day and night worship him to announce the birth of his son. Today let’s praise and thank God for the announcement of his angels.
I Commend Joy! 