Luke 2:9-15  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.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

When I read the Christmas story, I am reminded of the part that angels played as the supporting cast to unfold the drama of advent. They are not the main characters by any means, but their part reminded me of the Greek drama chorus that prepared the participants as well as the audience of what God was doing.           

Heavenly messengers have gained a lot of popularity in culture, literature and even religions today. Especially among the New Age movement, lots of attention has been given to angels that is not Biblical, with some looking to angelic guides and worshipping angels all of which is strictly forbidden in the Bible.           

My pastor preached last Sunday on Satan, who was out to destroy the Anointed One and confuse and accuse His followers. So, it stands to reason if he can get the attention off Jesus and onto other spirit beings or even false beings he is doing his job well.           

In addition to looking at the prophecies that are both fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, I am also impressed with the larger heavenly hosts and the part they play.  Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible.  They are referred to spiritual beings, created by God and are His ministering agents.  Scripture says they are beyond our numbering.           

There are good angels and bad angels. There was a great rebellion in the heavens between the greatest of angels, Lucifer, who wanted to be like God. There are also various types of angels or heavenly beings that carry out the work of God, and others who carry out the work of Satan called demons who worked to prevent the birth of the Messiah, thereby stopping God's plan for salvation and God’s undoing of Satan's power over humanity. 

You might think it odd, the creature who was a created angel would want to take the place of the creator, but we do that all the time as His created one’s rebel against God. The result of the heavenly rebellion was Lucifer being cast from God’s presence. Scriptures warns us of eternal separation from God without salvation.

Application:  Thank God for the favor he has shown to us. 

Prayer:  Father, this week as we reflect on the angelic activity surrounding Jesus first coming, we give thanks and declare, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”