Topic: Hope: Waiting for Answers and Praising God (by Wycliffe Translators Ministry)
Have you ever gone caroling, lifting your voice to celebrate Jesus’ birth? In a way, that echoes what happened the night Christ was born, when a host of angels appeared to the shepherds, proclaiming: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14, NLT).
Throughout Scripture, angels serve God by praising Him, obeying His commands and delivering His messages. In the Christmas story, they reassured Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, reminding them that God was with them. Their words didn’t remove the challenges these individuals faced, but the angels gave them hope and strength to trust God’s plan.
The story of Jesus’ birth is filled with angelic encounters that reveal God’s love and faithfulness. Gabriel announced John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah, preparing the way for Jesus (Luke 1:11-17). He then appeared to Mary, telling her she would bear the Son of God. Though afraid, she responded in faith, praising God for His promises (Luke 1:26-31, 46-55).
An angel reassured Joseph in a dream, urging him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph chose trust over fear, stepping into God’s plan (Matthew 1:20-21). A host of angels then proclaimed Christ’s birth to shepherds, and they became the first to share about the Messiah’s birth (Luke 2:8-14). Each person’s encounter with the angels reminds us that God works through ordinary people and does extraordinary things.
The angels praised God and proclaimed Jesus’ birth with joy and urgency. They announced peace on earth and pointed people to the Savior. Advent reminds us that because Jesus came, we have hope. And now we’re called to share it. We get the chance to be part of what God is doing around the world — through our prayers, action and advocacy — so others may know that Immanuel, God with us, has come.
As we celebrate Christ’s arrival this Advent and look forward to His return, let’s live like people who’ve been changed by this great news. May we respond with joy like the shepherds, trust God fully like Mary and Joseph, and praise God boldly like the angels. God is calling us all to be part of His global mission, so let’s be ready to go wherever He leads us.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem