December 10, 2025
Angels: Messengers of Good News
MELISSA SPOELSTRA
Lee en español
“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God …” Luke 2:13 (NLT)
An angel accented the top of our family’s Christmas tree each year when I was growing up. This regal figure featured a golden gown, wings, and a halo. Angels have become a common part of Christmas décor, but they are rarely portrayed accurately according to Scripture.
Angels are not winged cherubs playing harps and sitting on clouds. In fact, the only heavenly creatures described as winged in the Bible are called cherubim and seraphim (Isaiah 6:2; Genesis 3:24), and their full description can be unnerving.
Still, Scripture mentions angels more than 300 times, and they most often appear in human form. Angels were present when God created the world (Job 38:4-7), and throughout the Bible, they sometimes appeared to people to bring messages, encouragement, and tangible help. Angels appeared to both Mary and Joseph before Christ’s birth. Angels ministered to Jesus after His temptation and before His crucifixion. Angels also shared the news of His resurrection.
One of the most familiar angel passages in Scripture is in Luke 2. An angel in the sky appeared to shepherds — who were poor, dirty, and often outcasts of society — and communicated good news of great joy, not just for them but for all people. That includes you and me! God had sent a Savior who was born in Bethlehem.
“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’” (Luke 2:13-14, NLT).
I love how the Lord went above and beyond for shepherds, putting on a majestic display in the heavens with a multitude of angels! These men lived in fields and didn’t smell good, yet God surrounded them with His glory.
Luke 2:17 says these shepherds told people what they experienced. Good news just begs to be shared! We tell people when we find a good deal, get a good job, or hear about people in our community doing a good thing. In our bad-news world, it is always refreshing to hear good news. And there is no better news than God sending us His Son to secure the forgiveness of our sins.
This Christmas, when we encounter angelic representations — whether in a play at church, on a card or decoration, or even at the top of our tree — we can remember how God went above and beyond to announce His plan of salvation. In the rush of this holiday season, let’s slow down and consider God’s gift of Jesus in our lives and then share the good news with the people God sets in our path.
Lord, You went above and beyond by sending angels to tell shepherds the message of salvation. Help me to embrace Your divine goodness today and glorify You. Show me how to love others well by sharing Your extravagant love with them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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To learn more about angels from Genesis to Revelation, grab a copy of Melissa Spoelstra’s newest Bible study, Angels: Finding Hope in God Who Reigns over Heaven and Earth.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Luke 2:17, “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child” (NLT).
As you think of those God has placed in your sphere of influence this holiday season, where might He be calling you to go above and beyond? What gift of time, creativity, words, or some material good might cause someone to experience a touch from God through you? Share with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Melissa Spoelstra. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
