Unpacking the Angels

This weekend we add an angel or angels to the nativity set. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine Christmas without angels. They announce. They declare. They sing. Think of the Christmas hymns that include angels. Yet in every case, the messengers are not the message. The message always focuses on God and what He is doing for mankind. The angel declares: “I bring you good news of great joy!” Christmas is good news, not good advice or a self-improvement plan! The angel continues, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior.” Moreover, the angel did not continue, “Once upon a time.” Christmas is not a fairy tale or legend; it’s really real for us.