The journey to the birth: angels

After the birth of John (described in Luke 1:57-66), his father Zechariah burst into impassioned praise of God and prophesied about the ministry of his son.

When Jesus was born, his Father sent an angel to announce the birth to the shepherds. The angel gave impassioned praise to God and foretold the ministry of this newborn son.

Zechariah’s excited song pales in comparison to the joy of the angels. After a sole angel gives the shepherds amazing news:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

And then, unable to hold back their delight, a multitude of angels burst into praise.

• There is much in common with these two responses to miraculous births.
• The births were impossible but nothing is too hard for God.
• Each birth was first announced to others significant to ministry.
• God got all the credit
• Someone gave a glimpse into the future with God’s plan for redemption getting center stage.
• In the ministries of both John and Jesus, God’s plan was for all people.
• Both births connected Old Testament promises with New Testament plans.

Today we celebrate Christmas. I know Jesus probably wasn’t born today. I know people have largely re-claimed the day for materialistic worship. I know you can believe in Santa Claus without a problem but belief in Jesus offends.

None of that matters. What matters is this:

The plan worked.

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Luke 2:14