Topical Encyclopedia The appearance of angels to the shepherds is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. This event is celebrated as part of the Nativity story, marking the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ to humble shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem.Biblical Account: The account of the angelic appearance to the shepherds is found in Luke 2:8-14. The narrative begins with shepherds tending their flocks by night: "And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." (Luke 2:8-9) The sudden appearance of the angel, accompanied by the radiant glory of the Lord, understandably instills fear in the shepherds. However, the angel quickly reassures them with a message of great joy: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'" (Luke 2:10-12) The angel's message is profound, announcing the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, in the City of David, which is Bethlehem. The angel provides a specific sign for the shepherds to identify the newborn Savior: a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. Following this announcement, a multitude of the heavenly host appears, praising God and proclaiming peace: "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!'" (Luke 2:13-14) Theological Significance: The appearance of angels to the shepherds holds deep theological significance. It underscores the theme of divine revelation to the humble and lowly, as shepherds were considered among the lower social classes of the time. The announcement of Jesus' birth to shepherds highlights God's grace and the inclusivity of the Gospel message. Moreover, the angelic proclamation of "peace on earth" signifies the coming of the Prince of Peace, whose birth heralds reconciliation between God and humanity. The heavenly host's praise emphasizes the glory of God and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through the birth of Jesus. Conclusion: The angelic appearance to the shepherds is a pivotal moment in the Nativity story, illustrating the joyous announcement of Christ's birth to ordinary people. This event reflects the broader biblical theme of God's favor and peace extended to all humanity through Jesus Christ. The shepherds' encounter with the angels serves as a reminder of the divine initiative in revealing the Good News and the transformative impact of the Savior's birth. Nave's Topical Index Luke 2:9-11,13,14And, see, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. Nave's Topical Index Library Joy Born at Bethlehem Origen Against Celsus To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Index i. Of Subjects The Immaculate Conception The Oration on Holy Baptism. Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded. part ii Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources Is there an angel of death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the angel Gabriel? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong to have angel figurines? | GotQuestions.org Angel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Examples of Meekness Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Obedient Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Wise Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit of Different Orders Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Aspects of Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Angel of the Lord Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Morning Stars Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Principalities, Powers Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Created Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: do not Marry Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Elect Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Have Knowledge of, and Interest In, Earthly Affairs Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Holy Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Hosts Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Immortal Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Innumerable Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Men Called Angels Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Mighty Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Not to be Worshiped Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Worship God Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Ascension Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Tomb of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Transfiguration of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of in Gethsemane Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Abraham Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Balaam Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Cornelius, in a Dream Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Daniel, in the Lions' Den Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To David, at the Threshing Floor of Araunah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Elijah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Elisha While he Lay Under the Juniper Tree Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Gideon Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Hagar, in the Wilderness Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Jacob, in his Various Visions Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Jesus, After his Temptation Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To John, on the Island of Patmos Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Joseph, in a Dream Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Joshua, "The Captain of the Lord's Host" Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Lot, in Sodom Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Manoah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Mary, Concerning Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Moses Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Paul, on the Way to Damascus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Peter and John, While in Prison Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Peter, in Prison Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Philip Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the Fiery Furnace Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To the Israelites Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To the Shepherds Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Zacharias Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Zechariah, in a Vision Angel (A Spirit): Execute Judgments Upon the Wicked Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of John the Baptist Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of Samson Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Guard the Way to the Tree of Life Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Law Given By Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Medium of Revelation to Prophets Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Ministers to Jesus After the Temptation Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Ministers to Jesus During his Passion Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Present at the Ascension Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Present at the Tomb of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Remonstrates With Balaam Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Warns Joseph to Escape to Egypt Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Will be With Christ at his Second Coming Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Will be With Christ at the Judgment Angel (A Spirit): Ministrant to the Righteous Angel (A Spirit): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of God Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of his Presence Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of the Lord Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |