“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2.8-14
At least three times in a chapter and a half, we have seen the appearance of angels—Gabriel, specifically, but also a host, a multitude showing up and celebrating the Christ child. From Zechariah to Mary and now to the shepherds, God sends angels to announce what He’s doing next. In every context, people see the angel, become frightened (or terrified), and God’s glory appears. In each circumstance, the angel delivers the message God has placed on their hearts for the people.
In this appearance, the shepherds are in the hill country of Judah, near Bethlehem, tending sheep. It’s night (according to tradition), and there is a prominent star somewhere in the sky. (What actually happened may look a little different from our 21st-century depiction.)
An angel appears to the shepherds along with God’s glory (I imagine a bright light reflecting off mist and fog, with a laser show in the background—kidding!). Seriously, God’s glory shone, and then the angel speaks: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Then he delivers the news: a baby is born, He’s the Savior, Messiah, Lord. “And here is the sign that what I am saying is true—you will see a baby lying in a manger.” Then, to wrap up the announcement of God’s Son, hundreds of angels appear, praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
When an angel shows up, it matters. Typically, they precede a great work, announcement, message, or act of the Lord. Sometimes they linger after the message to offer a postlude. These supernatural beings are unseen 99% of the time, but we know they are working in both the seen and unseen realms.
Therefore, I believe they are working around us at this very moment. I often pray for angels to surround us, protect us, and speak words from the Lord to us. I pray they fend off dark forces by the power of the blood of the Lamb. There is a spiritual realm, and we would do well to remember that truth.
The angels’ appearance is remarkable, but that’s not even the most important part of the story—it’s that Jesus was born, God came in the flesh. For that, we truly shout, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
“O Lord God, You are good. I praise You for Your faithfulness. Come now, Holy Spirit, announce the arrival of the King who lives in my heart. Help me reflect His glory and give Him praise. When enemies attack and Satan tries to tear us down, help me stand firm on Your foundation. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.