Moderator's Column

A multitude of the heavenly host

Luke 2:8-14

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid:

for see—I am bringing you good news of

great joy for all the people.’” (v. 10)

The angels have the best job in scripture—they get to share the good news. They swoop in on unsuspecting humans and shower them with heavenly glory. They almost always say, “Don’t be afraid.” Because, of course, if you saw an angel you would probably be afraid. We picture them as otherworldly beings—sort of human but not really, with large wings and white robes and shiny halos.

Heavenly messengers play a big part in the story of Jesus’ birth. God dispatches Gabriel to set the story in motion with his visits to Zechariah and Mary, and then sends an angel to Joseph in a dream on three occasions. Right after Jesus is born, an angel appears to shepherds working the midnight shift. Out of the black velvet night sky God’s glory blooms before them like a thousand spotlights. An angel tells them about the birth of the savior in Bethlehem, the city of David. And he even gives them a specific sign so they wouldn’t miss him: “You will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” As if that wasn’t enough to get their attention, soon the night sky is filled with a chorus of angels praising God.

In those day shepherds had one of the worst jobs in the world. They spent their time on hillsides and in the wilderness trying to keep an eye on animals who were easy targets for predators or who could easily fall into a ravine or eat a poisonous plant. Shepherds had to constantly keep their eyes open and their feet moving to ensure the safety of their flock. Chances are they didn’t shower or change their clothes very often. But who are the human beings to hear the birth announcement? Yep, God’s topsy-turvy world is dawning.

Holy God, you send messengers to guide us—
sometimes in quiet moments and sometimes
in bright lights. Keep our eyes wide open.