The angels are God’s messengers. Typically only one appears before the recipient and conveys the message. But in the announcement of the birth of Jesus, a multitude of them appear and begin singing God’s praises. Oh how much more important must this message be if the entirety of the heavenly host was sent to tell it.
It is stated in scripture that the glory of the Lord shone around them and, in my mind, I see something like a brilliant aurora. I am sure I cannot comprehend what it looked like, or what t sounded like. Pure praise across the countryside sung with a joyous and faithful heart.
Take time to contemplate the angels’ role in the nativity. From the announcement made to Mary explaining her part in the Christmas story, to Joseph’s confirmation to take Mary as his wife and warnings to flee to Egypt after Jesus was born. Each appearance is steeped in history and prophecy. Each brilliantly placed to fulfill the plans of God.
Luke 2:9-14 – And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
