Ministering Spirits
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:8-15
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. Luke 2:9
Have you ever noticed that many of our Christmas decorations include angels? Angels played a large role in the Christmas story.
Angels brought the message and good news of Christ's coming. As we have read today, an angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds, saying, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Today angels continue to play an important role in our lives. The Bible tells us that angels are "ministering spirits" (Hebrews 1:14) and that people "have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2). Perhaps an angel once protected you or ministered to you in some way, and you weren't even aware that it was an angel.
As important as angels are to the Christmas story, though, they are not the main focus. Christ is the focus. Angels are simply part of the story, given the privileged role of bringing the good news that Christ has come. Our focus, then, should never be mainly on the angels but on Christ, whom they announce. Similarly, our focus shouldn't be so much on angels sent to protect us but on thanking God for his protection and care in our lives.
Dear Lord, thank you for your angels and all messengers of your grace and truth. May we share in the work of ministering to others and bringing your good news. Amen.
About the author — Joel Sheeres
Rev. Joel Sheeres is the pastor at First Christian Reformed Church in Crown Point, Indiana. He and his wife, Christine, have three children. Pastor Sheeres has previously served at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois.
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