Oh Those Christmas Angels! … Welcome Hump Day readers to Christmas Day. I’m sure that Christmas Eve or this morning, you heard the angels’ beautiful songs reminding us how Jesus came for all of us. And that beats our best presents—hands down. So let’s dive into this 4th part of “Christmas angels” because this time it is more unique than anywhere else in Scripture! Here’s the line-up:

  • An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him the news of Mary’s virgin birth.
  • An angel appeared to shepherds watching over their sheep about Jesus’ birth.
  • Heavenly hosts praising God came with the angel who appeared to the shepherds.
  • Finally, another angel, Gabriel, is mentioned by name in the Christmas story.

Gabriel is only one of two angels whose names are mentioned in the Bible, the other is the archangel Michael (Jude 1:9). Gabriel is mentioned only in the book of Daniel, and the Gospel of Luke. We’re not sure if Gabriel is an archangel because it isn’t stated in Scripture, but mention of his name alludes to the fact that he is a lead angel that delivers vital messages. However, on Christmas, Gabriel was the lead angel indeed! First, he visited Zechariah to tell him the news of his wife Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. He even told them they would have a son and they were to name him John, because he would go before the Lord.

Next, Gabriel visits Mary, a virgin soon to be wed to Joseph. His words seemed impossible, but she accepted Gabriel’s news, singing The Magnificat “With all my heart I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Savior. God cares for me, his humble servant. From now on all people will say God has blessed me.” [Luke 1:46-48 CEV]

OK, “What Is a Heavenly Host” mean? In Luke 2:13, the heavenly hosts joined the angels who visited the shepherds keeping watch over their sheep. This angel-job was specific! These angelic heavenlies worshiped and praised God when they sang to the shepherds declaring, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Heavenly Hosts are the phrases Lord of Hosts and Lord of Armies. So when Jesus was born, the Lord of hosts was in the midst of the thousands of angels—including army of angels who protected God’s only Son. There was not going to be any “oops” on this special arrival!

Another question is: Why did the angels appear to shepherds? Shepherds lived with sheep; they were dirty, uneducated, rowdy and untrustworthy. No admiration for these guys. Yet, God sent angels to them first to share the good news of Jesus’ birth. Royalty was not God’s choice. Instead, God chose humility and a choir to sing about it throughout the world.

Angels are significant to the Christmas story because Jesus’ birth was like none other. Angels are powerful and appear for pivotal circumstances, thus, it makes sense as to why they were present in the Christmas story. Something truly miraculous happened when Jesus took on the human form as a baby boy. The presence of angels served as confirmation to the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception and birth, and the arrival of the King of Kings—Hallelujah!

From the role of Angel Gabriel, to the heavenly hosts praising the Lord on that night, the angelic presences in the Christmas story fills us with excitement, hope and joy brought only by the life and ministry of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So, what is your role on this Christmas Day? Yes, presents will be dispersed, food will be gobbled up, etc. But, what is the most important this day—Jesus! Make Him the center of this Christmas and all year long. And, just in case you need a pick-me-up, stop and listen—you will hear the Christmas angels at any time you need them. Joy to the World, the Lord has come, Hallelujah AMEN!