Do As The Angels Do
“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.” 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!””
(Luke 2:9-14)
The Bible teaches in many ways. Sometimes, the Bible teaches by precept and command; other times, the Bible teaches by example. In other words, God tells us and shows us what we need to know. The case before us falls into the latter category, teaching by example what it means to be holy. We know of the innumerable angels, perfect in holiness and serving before the face of God night and day. How can we imitate the angels?
First, the angel proclaims the good news of the gospel. The very words “fear not” tell us that the shepherds expected a terrible message – a message of judgment, of wrath, of doom. They expected the angel to drop the proverbial hammer on them; but no, the angel proclaimed the free offer of the gospel. He longed to promote the glory of Jesus Christ and the great joy of men. Even still today, the angels peer from heaven to see that glorious gospel at work among men (1 Peter 1:12). What of us? What are we eager to share? Our accomplishments? Others’ misery? Or the gospel?
Second, the angel proclaims the good news of the gospel to the lowest of people. The comparison between the angel and the lowly shepherds could not be more striking. One stands before the face of God; the other stands far away from the face of man. One is clothed in shining garments; the other in filthy rags. What distance between the two, yet how near the gospel comes! Is this not a demonstration of the gospel itself? When we share the gospel, who is it to? Those most like us? Those in a similar or better social standing, or those most different, most dirty, most detested by men? Does our sharing of the gospel mirror the message of the gospel?
Lastly, the angel proclaims the good news to the lowest of people, and they worship. True belief in the gospel always leads to worship. If you are not worshipping Christ with His people, then you don’t need to be sharing the gospel. You need the gospel shared with you. The gospel and worship are always together. This Christmas season, will these three things be said of you? Will you provide an example for others of what it means to love Christ Jesus and long for His coming?
