The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most monumental events in human history. As the Son of God come to earth, Jesus’ arrival was marked by several supernatural occurrences and encounters. The Bible records that angels played a special role heralding the long-awaited Messiah’s coming and pronouncing his birth.
The Angel Gabriel’s Announcement to Mary
The New Testament Gospels describe how angels appeared separately to Jesus’ earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, foretelling the miraculous birth of the Savior. The angel Gabriel visited Mary months before Jesus’ birth, announcing that she would conceive and bear a son even though she was a virgin. This child would be the Son of God.
Gabriel declared to Mary in Luke 1:30-33:
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Gabriel revealed that Mary’s child would be the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. He would reign on King David’s throne forever. Mary humbly accepted her holy calling to be the mother of the Savior.
The Angel Gabriel’s Announcement to Joseph
Mary’s betrothed husband Joseph discovered she was pregnant before they came together as husband and wife. Not understanding the miraculous circumstances, Joseph decided to quietly call off the engagement. However, in Matthew 1:20-21 the angel Gabriel also appeared to him, saying:
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Gabriel called Joseph to accept Mary and her unborn child, despite the situation looking compromising. He confirmed that Jesus would be the Savior who would die for the world’s redemption.
The Angel’s Announcement to the Shepherds
In Luke 2, the Gospel writer describes how an angel of God announced Jesus’ birth to some lowly shepherds watching their flocks at night. The angel brought great tidings of joy about the Savior’s arrival.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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.” (Luke 2:8-12)
The angel announced the Messiah’s birth to these humble shepherds. He also gave them a sign to look for the infant king in a manger.
The Angels’ Song of Praise
As the angel shared the good tidings with the shepherds, suddenly the night sky filled with more angels praising God. Luke 2:13-14 describes:
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!”
A whole angelic army appeared, rejoicing in God’s work of salvation through Jesus. They praised the Lord in a universal song of peace and goodwill.
The Angels’ Return to Heaven
After announcing the Messiah’s birth, the angels did not stay on earth but departed into heaven once more. Luke 2:15 states:
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
The angels returned to God’s presence after revealing the great news of the Savior’s arrival. Their mission was complete.
The Role of Angels at Jesus’ Birth
The accounts of Jesus’ birth demonstrate how God used angels to orchestrate key events surrounding the coming of the Messiah. The angels played several important roles:
- Gabriel delivered critical revelations about the Savior’s conception and identity.
- The angel announced the birth to the shepherds as a sign.
- A multitude of angels filled the heavens with praise to God.
- The angels revealed God’s work and glory in bringing the Messiah.
- Yet the angels did not remain or draw attention to themselves.
Overall, the angels powerfully declared the most important message in history – the arrival of the Savior. Their presence marked heaven’s affirmation of Jesus’ identity and mission. Yet the angels quickly departed back into heaven, receding from the scene to leave the focus on Jesus.
Why Did God Use Angels to Announce Jesus’ Birth?
Why did God choose to use angels to proclaim the Messiah’s arrival rather than a more spectacular announcement? Some key reasons include:
- Fulfillment of prophecy – The Old Testament contained prophecies about angels heralding the Messiah’s coming (Psalm 91:11-12).
- Confirm Jesus’ identity – The angels’ announcements affirmed Jesus as the prophesied Savior and Son of God.
- Accord Jesus honor – The angels praised Jesus and gave him glory as the Divine King come to earth.
- Involve the lowly – God included the most humble people, like shepherds, in welcoming the Messiah.
- Model surrender – The angels announced Jesus’ birth then quickly yielded the scene to him, showing the proper response.
Overall, God used angels to fulfill prophecy, affirm Jesus’ identity, honor him, include the lowly, and model surrender to the newborn King. This set the tone for Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Jesus’ Birth Compared to Other Ancient Announcements
In contrast to other ancient pagan legends about gods taking human form, the accounts of Jesus’ birth have a simple dignity and surrender to God’s work. For instance:
- There is no immoral relations with a human woman like in pagan myths.
- The angels deliver their messages then disappear instead of vying for attention.
- The announcements focus on the child Jesus instead of the angels themselves.
The angels deliver their heavenly messages then quickly yield the scene to the newborn Savior. This is opposite of pagan myths where gods or angels would linger to interact with mortals.
Significance of Angels Involvement in Jesus’ Birth
The angels’ proclamation of Jesus’ birth marked a pivotal moment in God’s plan of redemption. Key implications include:
- The Savior came to deliver people from sin, as promised for ages.
- Jesus is the Divine Messiah and Son of God in human flesh.
- Even lowly outcasts like shepherds receive the gospel invitation.
- All creation should worship Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.
- Believers can have bold access to God through Christ’s reconciling work.
The angels highlighted these truths about the significance of the Messiah’s coming. Their announcements declared the dawn of a new era of salvation for all people through faith in Jesus.
Conclusion
The angels played a special role heralding the monumental birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. Their announcements, praises, signs, and interactions with key figures formed a heavenly chorus declaring the Messiah’s arrival. God used angels to fulfill prophecy, confirm Jesus’ identity, accord him honor, involve the lowly, and model surrender to the newborn King. The accounts of Jesus’ birth have a simple dignity focused on God’s supernatural work through the Savior. The angels’ pronouncements marked a pivotal moment of redemption for all people. Their involvement highlighted key implications of the Messiah’s coming and the worship Jesus deserves as the Divine Son of God.