Hark! - The Angels as Witnesses

By Will Witherington

Posted: Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

 

 

For years I have wanted to write down some of the devotional thoughts I have during the Christmas season.  My thoughts usually revolve around two ideas: First that the Incarnation was an "invasion" - heaven was invading earth; Second, there were witnesses that had various points of view regarding the Incarnation.  These short devotionals each day will look at the witnesses to this invasion – God, the angels, Mary/Joseph, the shepherds, the animals/stars, the wise men, me.

 

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It was a silent night in the countryside of Judea.  The little town of Bethlehem was lying still.  But the curtain above the earth was getting ready to be pulled back to reveal a Cosmic celebration that would make Times Square on New Year’s Eve look like a child’s birthday party!

 

God had already sent His messenger Gabriel from his throne-side position to announce the birth of the coming Messiah.  God had also already sent the infant child into the womb of Mary his earthly mother.  Tonight, the monumental announcement would be made!  The angels would break through the stillness and darkness of earth and pronounce “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”  This night the invasion would begin and the angels of God would sound the call!

 

But who or what were these messengers?  Why were they in such jubilation?

 

Throughout the Scriptures angels are engaged in many interactions with the earth.  Angels are seen as mighty warriors wielding the sword against the enemies of God (2 Kings 19:35).  Angels are said to have “delivered” the Law to Moses (Acts 7:52-53, Galatians 3:19).  Angels are messengers delivering the plan and purpose of God (Genesis 19; Psalm 103:20; Matthew 2; Luke 1). Angels like the rest of creation are commanded to “praise the Lord” (Psalm 148:2).  Angels are said to come to the aide of God’s chosen men/women (Genesis 22:11; 1 Kings 19:7; Psalm 34:7).  Why do they often have to say, “fear not”?  These were incredibly powerful and awesome beings!

 

On this night, these warrior-messengers were sent to announce the invasion of their Commander-in Chief!  The battle cry was proclaimed.  They were sent to exclaim that Heaven was pregnant with Love and this love would give birth to a Savior “who is Christ the Lord”!

 

Yes, this was an invasion of “shock and awe” of the greatest degree.  The “shock” was that a Holy and Just God would humble Himself by taking on the form of humankind and be subject to the curse of the cross.  The “awe” is that all who are reconciled to God through this Son will reign with Him and with His angels forever!

 

So we sing together, “Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”