Introduction

• Theme - ‘when all heaven broke loose’ - placing angels around the city, as gifts to people as a sign of blessing and hope

• Angels - lots of folk religion, largely inspired by art -

• Today an overview and introduction - not a thorough study, and not exclusively, but mostly using the angelic appearances in the Christmas story as a lens to view this through

Hebrews 1

Heavenly creatures

• Angels are heavenly creatures/spiritual beings (‘ministering spirits’ v.14)

• they reside in heaven

• Luke 1:19 - angel appears to Zechariah - ‘I stand in the presence of God’

• Luke 1:26 - angel Gabriel appears to Mary ‘sent from God’

• Luke 2:15 - angels go back to heaven

• Hebrew concept that God was in heaven on the throne, surrounded by the heavenly host of angels - like a heavenly cabinet or counsel acting for and advising God

• In Christmas story - no physical descriptions for angels

• Not always recognisable - See Heb 13:2 - Abraham entertained angels without knowing

Worshippers

• ‘praising God and saying “glory to God in the highest’”’ (Lk 2:13-14)

• v.6 - angels worship the Son of God

• gathered around His throne adoring Him and praising Him

• Isaiah 6:2-3 - angels glorifying and praising God

• Luke 15:10 - angels rejoice over repentant sinners

• v.7 - ministering servants - ministering to God, doing His work and His will

• in all our thinking about angels - don’t forget that their gaze is God-ward

Messengers of Comfort

• but there is earthly interaction - and earthly form because Zechariah and Mary both have conversation with Gabriel

• both Greek and Hebrew word for angel translates as ‘messenger’

• nativity story - frequent appearances and a familiar pattern - ‘do not be afraid’ (Lk 1:13, Lk 1:30, Lk 2:10)

• angels are figures of might - guard Garden of Eden, encamps around those that fear the Lord (Ps 34:7) - apocalyptic literature, Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation speak of warrior-type angels -

• so when angel appears to Mary/Zechariah/Shepherds - no wonder they have to reassure them

• Also angels are messengers of comfort - sent by God to reassure, to remind folk that God is with them and has not forgotten them (Gen 16 - Hagar)

Messengers of Good News

• message angels bring is good news - Mary has found favour, Joseph is reassured, Shepherds are pointed to Bethlehem

• message is good news because the angels are not here to honour themselves, they are not present to draw attention to the angels - they are always pointing on to Jesus

• angels aren’t good news in themselves - the writer to Hebrews is emphasising how the angels are inferior to the Son of God

• angels are created beings, Jesus the Son has always existed

Our response

• Where do angels set us an example in worship and service?

• Where can we be God’s messenger this Christmas time?

• Where can we show comfort or be messengers of Good News?