It is widely accepted that angels exist. Angels feature in literature, movies, and art. Children are told they have a guardian angel.
The season of Advent is synonymous with angels. Angels appear to individuals like Zachariah, Mary, and the shepherds to reveal the mysteries of God. Angels fill the sky, singing praises to God, celebrating the coming of God to earth.
Angels are God’s creation. They are assigned various roles. They offer protection to ‘the servants of God.’ They bring words of comfort and hope to ‘the chosen.’ They proclaim the wonder and beauty of God’s plan to all who are open and responsive to His love.
Not all angels are good. Lucifer rebelled against God’s order and was expelled from heaven. Fallen angels target the children of God, frustrating their efforts to remain true to the heavenly calling and the words of life.
Fallen angels are relentless in their attack, taking advantage of any weakness or vulnerability. They are the masters of lies and deception causing many to stumble.
The angels we read about in the Christmas story are God’s messengers, declaring His word with clarity and purpose.
(1) “Fear not”
‘And there appeared to him an Angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.’ Luke 1:11 (ESVUK)
Fear is a universal feeling. Fear diminishes us, holding us captive. Fear forces us to abandon plans that promise much.
Fear has a positive aspect. It shields us from harm. It provides a check against reckless behaviour; it inhibits extravagant excesses.
The Bible reveals that people who encountered angels were often fearful. Whatever their standing, the unexpected and the unexplained upset their equilibrium, causing apprehension and uncertainty. They were not anticipating such an event, and they had no knowledge of what it would mean.
The angels brought messages that were remarkable and far reaching. The aging Zechariah and his wife were to be parents. The Virgin Mary would bear a son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. The shepherds were to seek out the baby born to be king.
(2) “Glory to God”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God, and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven…’ Luke 2:13-14 (ESVUK)
Worship is honouring and valuing God more than anything else. People who acknowledge a Creator God, know that they are made by God, and are also made for God. They understand that they are dependent upon God for their existence, meaning, and spiritual fulfillment.
People who do not recognise God and reject his relevance to their life inevitably look for other things to believe in, to dedicate their lives to. Substitutes for God include the environment, climate change, power, political ideologies, sporting success, celebrity culture, wealth, social media, escapism, indulgent lifestyles, personal freedom, religion…
Worship is singular. We cannot spread our worship around. Worship implies commitment. It calls for focus, dedication, and a measure of abandonment. It asks for loyalty while offering, in return, to shape who we are. As Harvey F. Ammerman says,
‘What we worship determines what we become.’
The heavenly host were united in their worship of the one and only God. Their song of praise filled the heavens. “Glory to God!’
(3) “Peace on Earth”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God, and saying,
‘… and on earth peaceamong those with whom he is pleased.’ Luke 2:13-14 (ESVUK)
The birth of Jesus occurred at a time of racial tension and political unrest. Dominant powers sought to enlarge their boundaries and expand their influence. There was widespread suffering, and the poor were overlooked. Minority groups struggled under the arm of an oppressor. From the shepherds’ perspective, any talk of peace was fanciful.
And yet the babe in the manger offered hope. One of the titles given to Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the only one who can help us understand what peace looks like. Jesus never promised an end to war and strife. If anything, global unrest will continue to escalate until the end when His kingdom is fully established, and death and darkness finally banished.
Jesus focussed His teaching on how evil emanates from within, that the only clean vessel is the one that is clean on the inside.
Peace is a gift. It flows from a heart that is open to God and surrendered to His will.
(4) “I bring you good news”
And the angel said to them, ‘…Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’ Luke 2:10 (ESVUK)
Evidence suggests we prefer bad news to good news. The daily news bulletins we passively consume are saturated with negative stories about shootings, terrorist attacks, vehicle accidents, corruption, wars, drug trafficking, natural disasters, displaced persons, sickness, death.
Writer Ray Williams points out the dangers of ‘a diet of negativity.’ He says,
‘Bad news can evoke in us emotions such as fear, anger, rage, sadness, grief and despair.’
As well as having a detrimental effect on our mental health, negativity can also alter the way we view life, and the way we relate to others. Over time, we grow to accept that there is a paucity of good news.
Christmas is good news. Christmas reminds us that God is invested in our world, that He is concerned about outcomes, that His love for His creation is not diminished. He wants our best.
The angels who appeared to the shepherds in the fields were the bearers of good news. The baby born in Bethlehem was destined to be the Saviour of the world.
The world needs saving. Governments of all persuasions seem incapable of solving any of the issues that adversely impact their citizens. Individuals are powerless to tackle the issues that diminish them as a person. We need help at every level of society. We need help to govern well. We need help to live well. We need God in our lives.
(5) “You shall give birth”
And the angel said to her, ‘…Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.’ Luke 1:30-31 (ESVUK)
The virgin birth is a miracle. The angel Gabriel explained to Mary that ‘the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her.’ (Luke 1:35 ESVUK)
Miracles imply supernatural intervention that respects the natural law. Miracles are not abnormal. They are evidence of God’s desire to bless His creation, to demonstrate His power and love.
My question is this: ‘What is God birthing in you at this time?’ ‘What new thing has God planned for your life?’
Handel’s Messiah brings to life the Scriptures. One verse has lodged in my heart.
‘His yoke is easy; His burden is light.’
The will of God will never weigh us down. The will of God employs our spiritual gifts. The will of God establishes us as faithful followers. The will of God is a river of life refreshing, revitalising, and renewing.
Hope For Tomorrow 