Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.’”
Christmas decorations are not complete without angels. Whether they are ornaments on your tree, knick-knacks on your coffee table or renderings on a card, angels go with Christmas.
Have you noticed all the angelic activity in the Christmas story? An angel announced to Mary that she would bring Messiah into the world. An angel spoke to Joseph, comforting him about the circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy, encouraging him to marry her. An angel proclaimed Christ’s birth to the shepherds tending their flocks. A great host of angels joined in a chorus of praise as the shepherds looked on. At the first Christmas angels were everywhere!
Why were angels such an important part of Christ’s coming? While they were obeying God’s command to proclaim the message of Jesus’ birth, there was something more. The angels were excited about this historical happening. They wanted to be a part of the grand celebration of the Savior’s advent. They understood its implications for the world.
The angels understood that Jesus’ entrance into the world was “good news of great joy for everyone.” They understood that Messiah’s arrival would make available “peace on earth.” They knew that Jesus’ coming began a new era of God’s “favor.” They couldn’t help but be excited about Christmas.
Every time you see a figurine or portrait of an angel this season, let it produce in you the same spirit of joy the angels exhibited at Jesus’ birth. Let the angels’ example cause you to remember what a wonderful day Christmas really is!
PRAYER
Lord, it is thrilling to read about the angelic celebrations surrounding Christ’s coming. What joy must have filled heaven when Jesus was born. Help us adopt the angels’ spirit of praise. May our hearts be filled with the same excitement the heavenly hosts experienced that first Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
