The gospel of Luke records the nativity story and includes angels talking to shepherds out in a field on the night of Christ’s birth. They came bringing “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). And at one point a multitude of angels appear, praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is please!” We don’t get much description of the event, but we get the sense that there is celebration, joy, and excitement going on. The very angels are awestruck with what has happened and can hardly contain their joy. At least, that’s how I read this passage.
But then I also wonder, why were the angels so excited about Christ’s birth? Jesus’ birth is a huge deal to us humans because we are separated from God by our sin and the one and only person who can mend that relationship has finally arrived on Earth. This is huge for us humans. But the angels are not humans. They are not separated from God by sin. Jesus is not their long awaited redeemer who will restore their relationship with God. So why were they so excited?
This is just speculation, but I think that it was simply because the will of God was being done. God’s desire is to restore His children to Himself (2 Pet 3:9). God had just made a big move in His plan (which he had been prophesying for a thousand years) (2 Sam 7:13, Isa 9:6). And the angels were just overcome with joy that God’s will was being done. To this day, we are told that angels rejoice when humans do their part of God’s plan by repenting (Luke 15:10). Perhaps it is because they enjoy dwelling in God’s presence, but they are overjoyed by God’s plan of redemption being put into practice.
That night two thousand years ago was a giant leap in God’s plan, but it wasn’t the whole plan. The birth of Jesus was certainly a wonderful and exciting event. But the work is over and we need to be just as excited now about God’s will being done, just as much as we get excited about what has long since past.
May you spend this holiday rejoicing for what God has done for you, and may you be excited that God’s will is still being done.
Merry Christmas!