Though Mary and Joseph are still standing, the angel blew over in our front yard nativity scene. My wife claims he is bowing in worship. Maybe. But I know a strong wind has blown him over in the past. As ironic as it may seem, this angel needs constant maintenance. He needs propped up and reinforced to stand guard. This was not so with the Christmas angels.
The angel of the Lord declared the birth of Jesus to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem. We visited the shepherd’s field several years ago on an Israel trip. Walking across the field stirred thoughts of the angelic appearance, the shepherd’s fear, and the glorious announcement – all of which happened there some 2,000 years ago. Before being joined by an angelic choir, the angel said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
The Christmas story records much angelic activity. An angel appeared to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, in Luke 1:11. The angel, Gabriel, appeared to Mary in Luke 1:26. An angel appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1:20 and Matthew 2:13. The importance of the birth of Jesus is marked by an angelic presence, which is weaved throughout the story. God both prepared, proclaimed, and protected the event through the presence of His angels. The humble stable was the chosen place where heaven would touch earth and God would become a man. The Father carefully stationed the angels at critical steps along the way.
Peter observes that the coming of Jesus was a frequent theme in prophetic writings (I Peter 1:10-12). The Holy Spirit stirred the prophets to foresee something glorious that God would do through His Son. They saw glimpses of the glorious gospel in the death and resurrection of Christ but did not fully understand it as we do today. Verse 12 curiously says, “Even angels long to look into these things.” The New Living Translation reads, “It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.”
Wow. The angels of heaven watched in wonder at the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The text indicates they are still watching in wonder as the plan of salvation is carried throughout the world by God’s people and as the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of the lost. The angels curiously stand in awe at the work of God through His glorious Son as He redeems His lost creation. The plans, power, and compassion of the Father have brought the angelic realm to its feet!
How about you? Does the gospel still bring you to your feet? Does your heart yearn to learn more? Is your pulse still quickened by what God has done and continues to do? Never forget that you are part of God’s plan as you share the story with others. Merry Christmas!