Topical Bible: Joy of Angels, when Jesus Was Born

Bible > Topical > Joy of Angels, when Jesus Was Born

◄ Joy of Angels, when Jesus Was Born ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The birth of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marked by the profound joy expressed by the heavenly hosts. This joy is vividly depicted in the Gospel of Luke, where the angels announce the birth of the Savior to the shepherds. The angelic proclamation and the subsequent heavenly chorus underscore the significance of the Incarnation and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Account

In the Gospel of Luke, the narrative of Jesus' birth is accompanied by a celestial announcement. Luke 2:8-14 describes the scene: "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. 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.' 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!'"

Theological Significance

The joy of the angels at the birth of Jesus is deeply rooted in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of the New Covenant. The angelic announcement to the shepherds signifies the breaking of a long period of prophetic silence and the dawn of a new era in salvation history. The angels' message of "good news of great joy" highlights the universal scope of Christ's mission, extending beyond Israel to all humanity.

The phrase "Glory to God in the highest" reflects the ultimate purpose of the Incarnation: the glorification of God through the redemption of mankind. The angels' proclamation of peace on earth signifies the reconciliation between God and humanity, made possible through the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Angelic Role in Divine Revelation

Throughout the Scriptures, angels serve as messengers of God, delivering divine revelations and executing His will. The announcement of Jesus' birth is one of the most significant angelic messages, as it heralds the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. The presence of a "multitude of the heavenly host" emphasizes the cosmic significance of this event, as all of heaven rejoices in the fulfillment of God's promise.

Symbolism and Imagery

The imagery of angels appearing to shepherds in the fields is rich with symbolism. Shepherds, often considered lowly and marginalized, represent the humble and receptive hearts to whom the gospel is first revealed. This aligns with the biblical theme of God exalting the humble and using the meek to accomplish His purposes. The angelic announcement to the shepherds foreshadows the inclusive nature of Christ's ministry, which reaches out to the marginalized and the outcast.

Implications for Believers

The joy of the angels at the birth of Jesus serves as a model for Christian worship and celebration. It invites believers to join in the heavenly chorus, glorifying God for His wondrous gift of salvation. The angelic message of peace and goodwill challenges Christians to live out these values in their daily lives, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel.

In summary, the joy of the angels at the birth of Jesus is a profound expression of divine celebration and a testament to the significance of the Incarnation. It encapsulates the themes of fulfillment, redemption, and universal salvation, inviting all of creation to rejoice in the coming of the Savior.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:13,14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
... I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS (OR NEWS) OF GREAT JOY, WHICH SHALL ... and the Babe lying in
the manger, as the angels had said. Jesus was the eldest son of His mother ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter ii jesus is born.htm

Jesus is Born at Bethlehem
... You will have a son and will name him Jesus. ... for behold I bring you good news Of
great joy which shall ... When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus is born at bethlehem.htm

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
... of present joys, and leads onward to joy eternal] which ... [Jesus came in exactly the
same manner in which his ... had been spoken of or described by the angels a few ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xi the birth of jesus.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... Jesus, by raising us to spiritual wealth, redeems us from ... chains of Mammon, and in
that liberty gives us joy. ... I know the artist paints angels in the skies, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
... of the supreme importance of the birth of Jesus, the account ... These messengers were
angels. ... of a blaze of heavenly glory came the tidings of great joy to Israel ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the birth of jesus.htm

The Angels Also are Evangelists.
... among men." [4520] And having said this, the angels go away ... heaven, leaving us to
gather how the joy preached to us through the birth of Jesus Christ is ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/13 the angels also are.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... The shepherds are directed by angels; the wise men ... announced the birthplace of Jesus
subsequently condemned ... is a comfort multiplied] with exceeding great joy. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... for behold I bring you news of great joy, which shall ... others also, how they had seen
the angels, and what ... For some time after Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jesus the.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... appeared, and professed to hail with joy the intimation ... The report of the angels'
visit to the shepherds ... They themselves might have found Jesus, and might have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

The Circumcision of Jesus
... with them and heard all their talk with heartfelt joy. ... much about the birth of the
Infant Jesus, and I ... though she were uplifted, kneeling, by angels; then she ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xii the circumcision of jesus.htm