The Angels of Jesus’
Birth
As we will soon begin Advent
(December 1) we are
Angels are see throughout the
Bible and are called by a variety of names including cherubim, seraphim and
living creatures. Sometimes they are described as men, often in bright
garments. They appear guarding Eden, waging war, rescuing Peter from prison,
worshiping God and even rebelling against God. They are mysterious servants of
God who serve as messengers. They warned people of Sodom and Gorrah; rescued
those who are faithful Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and they often instructed
people as to what to do next. One key role is that they share messages from
heaven to earth and this is why they play such a pivotal role in the story of
Jesus’ birth.
The Christmas story is filled
with angels including the archangel Gabriel. Gabriel’s message to those key
individuals who served God was simply that it was time for the Messiah to
arrive. Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth
are told that they would have a child in their older age. This boy would
fulfill Malachi’s prophecy from God that He would send an Elijah0like figure
who would prepare the way for the Redeemer. But when Zechariah understood the
physical realities he and his wife would experience, he questioned all of this.
And so Gabriel told him that he would be mute until the child, who was to be
named John was born. This occurred and John became John the Baptist who came to
“prepare the way of the Lord.”
As we prepare our way for the celebration
of Jesus’ birth are we questioning why we put so much effort into the holiday?
Are we questioning the rationale for the expense, for the time and energy?
Zechariah questioned the angel and he was unable to speak until John was born
do we question the season or are we grateful that people do care and give for
the sake of others?
What is it we are questioning
about Advent and Christ’s birth? How will we find answers? Asking questions of
others is not a wasted effort, but only a better way to understand who we are
in relationship with others and with God. As we enter in Advent ask yourself
what is most important for this celebration for you and your family? What is
not needed or desired? And also ask how and when you will hear the Jesus’ birth
story? When will you hear that the infant Jesus was placed in a manger? Remember Gabriel and Zechariah and ask the
questions of faith which you have- pray and seek answers- be open to receiving
God’s answer!
PRAYER: Holy God
show us what it means to prepare and welcome Christ in our midst as an infant. You
call us to excitement for the season but we ask that you would help us to
question what is best for us to know you and grow in our understanding of Jesus
in the manger. We ask this in faith and
with hope. Amen.
Inspired by Bill
Crowder, “Windows on Christmas: Biblical Perspectives on the Birth of Jesus”
Our Daily Bred Ministries, 2019
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