The Christmas Angel

Luke 2:9 says, “And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

In Christmas pageants, it is usually the little girls that play the part of the angels. I don’t know how this originated. There is no doubt that little girls are cute, and can often steal the show, but the Biblical picture of angels is of a far different nature. 

The angel of the Lord that Luke records brought fear to the shepherds. After the announcement of Jesus’ birth, the heavens were filled with heavenly hosts. The term “hosts” literally means “armies.” 

Angels are usually messengers. Paul describes them as “ministering spirits”, even “a flame of fire” (Hebrews 1:7&14). We must also clarify between the “angel of the Lord” and other angels. The “fallen angels” we know as demons. Satan himself can transform into an “angel of light” (II Corinthians 11:14).

Let us look at a few ministering angels. It was angels that guarded the gate, and the path to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. Along with the angels, a flaming sword that turned every way guarded the tree of life. This flaming sword could have been an angel in the form of fire. Perhaps this flaming sword could have represented the Holy Spirit. There is no account that they had any battles. Their very appearance was fearful. They managed to keep the holy separated from the unholy (Genesis 3:24).

In Exodus 14:19, we see the “Red Sea angel.” Along with the angel of God is the pillar of cloud and fire. This pillar traveled between the Israelites and the Egyptians. It was light to Israel and darkness to Egypt. Again, the holy and unholy are separated. The pillar caused this separation. The angel of God was actually out in front of Israel leading them. In the morning watch, the Lord looked through the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptians. 

The purpose of heaven and hell is to keep the holy separate from the unholy. 

We don’t have time to look at all the angels in the Scripture. Many other points could be made, l’m sure. I believe the garden angels and the sea angel ministered in a similar fashion as the Christmas angel. They all three are involved in the story of God’s plan of salvation. The garden angels make it clear that the holy and the unholy cannot dwell together. The sea angel points to a way out of unholiness. The Christmas angel announces the Saviour, Christ the Lord, God’s remedy for sin.

The Christmas angel had no sooner given his message, than the heavenly army broke out in praise to God. They couldn’t contain themselves. They could see God and His holiness. They could at the same time see man and his sinfulness. They could also see the Saviour as the solution. In their position in the sky, it would appear that both were equally in their view. Their first shout was to God; “Glory to God in the highest!” In Revelation 7:11&12, we see the angels again praising God before the throne. In this picture we also see another great multitude with them, the blood washed throng, shouting, “Salvation to God.”

The heavenly army also shouted down to the earth, “Peace, good will toward men.” Men can try to make peace on earth. Only the Saviour can do it. Do you know Him as your Saviour? It’s so simple, even a cute little girl, dress up as an angel, can tell the story. Don’t wait for the seven angels of Revelation 15:1 to minister unto you. Today is still the day of Salvation!