Angels appeared to shepherds to tell them that Jesus had been born, and the shepherds were terrified. But an angel told them not to fear, that they brought good news; and they sang praises to God before they returned to heaven. Have you ever wondered what they do there?
Years ago, our pastor presented a message series on Revelation, and he took a unique perspective. He pointed out that right now, today and every day, every single creature in heaven is worshipping God. I would add that in Isaiah Chapter 6, Isaiah’s glimpse of heaven’s throne room also is a picture of the angels constantly praising and worshipping God.
And what about the angels themselves? Often in the Bible people are terrified when they see an angel. Their countenance is awe inspiring and they are powerful. In several Biblical accounts angels destroy cities and defeat armies. They are powerful beings who serve the all-powerful God. Yet 1 Peter 1:12 says the angels long to get a glimpse of the wonderful mysteries of the gospel of salvation through Jesus (my paraphrase of The Passion Translation).
The fact that Jesus came to Earth to reconcile us to God is an amazing thing. That wasn’t just a tiny baby born that night. It was the Son of Almighty God, one with the Father, eternally existent, Creator of all things (John 1:1). I hope you feel the awe of what happened back there in that little stable in Bethlehem so long ago. God Himself came down to us. As Isaiah said, his name is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).