“The angel said, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”  Luke 2:10-11

Christmas is over!  Presents so carefully chosen are unwrapped and put away.  Christmas cookies and goodies of every kind are eaten and enjoyed.  Families gather and then say their good-byes.  The holidays come to a close and become memories to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Every Christmas is an opportunity for wonder and amazement over the circumstances of the arrival of the Christ child.  The story of God’s Son coming to this world to die for sinful men fills me with a sense of joy and adoration.  This year, I have been thinking about the multitude of angels who were present.  Do you know how many angels are a “host?”  The Bible dictionary says “one hundred million!!”  I love to imagine the shepherds keeping watch over their sheep on that peaceful Judean hillside, overlooking the sleepy town of Bethlehem.  There were no sounds but the bleating of sheep on that starry night so long ago.  Suddenly, an angel appeared with great news!  Luke 2 says, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  SUDDENLY, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”  (NIV)

Let’s put ourselves in the story!!  Would you be terrified?  I assume we would all be for a few moments!  But God had a special light show for these lowly shepherds!  Suddenly, 100 million angels filled the sky!  Can you see it in your mind’s eye?  100 million angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (KJV)  What a magnificent sound that must have been!  No version of the “Messiah” could equal it!  As quickly as they appeared, the angels went back to heaven.  WOW!!

So, what do angels look like?  Are they cute, chubby babies with wings on their backs?  Or are they beautiful creatures with long hair, and shining clothing?  Angels are mentioned 273 times in the Bible and take on many forms.  They are created beings and were mentioned when God created the world.  In Job 38:6-7, God asks “where was he when the earth’s cornerstone was laid, while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”

Here are some facts to enjoy:  Angels live for eternity (Luke 20:36); they do not marry (Matthew 22:30); they are wise and intelligent (Daniel 9:22); they take an interest in the affairs of men (Luke 15:10); they are not meant to be worshiped (Revelation 19:10); they are subject to Christ (1 Peter 3:22); they have a will (Jude 1:6); they ministered to Jesus (Matthew 4:11) and to humans such as Daniel, Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and Philip and to us! (Hebrews 1:14); they are too numerous to count (Psalms 68:17, Hebrews 12:22); they were created to glorify and worship God (Hebrews 1:6).

Angels are still in business.  If you are a believer, expect powerful angels to be with you throughout your lifetime!  They spell out God’s tender love for us, yet warn of impending judgment.  Hebrews 12:22 says there are myriads of angels!  If you are a believer, be comforted that our Heavenly Father is watching over you!

Your friend, Jean

 

 

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