Searching His Word, Seeking His Heart

Let’s contemplate JOY among the angels. We’ve already been introduced by name to one angel—Gabriel. 

Gabriel is named only in one other book—Daniel. There, he interprets Daniel’s vision of things in the future. Michael is another named angel. Many other angels go unnamed in Scripture, but we hear of most of them as messengers throughout the Old and New Testament.

Only one angel appears at first to the shepherds. That alone would be overwhelming out in the field at night to these simple men.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Luke 2:9

Perhaps God reasoned that one angel would be all the shepherds could manage at first. Even then we see the Lord’s glory emanating from the angel. I’m picturing a glow or some kind light.

As usual, when an angel appears throughout the birth story (and the resurrection account), the angel has to give assurance.

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” Luke 2:10

Yes, joy for all the people around Bethlehem: great joy to the people who would be told about this in the surrounding area, and great joy to all Christians down through the centuries. 

The angel goes on to share that the Messiah, the long-awaited promised one, has finally come and the angel even gives a sign to the shepherds. (Next week!)

At this point something even more dramatic happens. The angels of heaven have known about this for centuries. Perhaps they, like many ancient Jews on earth, had long anticipated this grand event. And now, at long last, it has come to pass. 

This, my friends, calls for great celebration! A great host of angels make their appearance perhaps filling the sky over that hillside in Bethlehem. If one angel exudes glorious light from the Father, can you imagine the glow of a myriad of angels?

This host of angels is called army of angels in some translations. You do know that angels are not little fairy-like creatures. Some say  “saying” and some say “singing praises.” Two things are quite evident in their declaration. They are praising God (as they do regularly) and they’re announcing that peace has come to those who believe in this Son of God.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

One week to Christmas. Are you at peace in this busy week? Steal away. Join the angels JOY. Sing praises and allow His peace to flow through you. He will bless.

~ Joyce ~