The angels’ proclamation of Jesus’ birth still matters today because it announces lasting peace, living hope, and a Savior for all people. The Christmas story reminds us that God’s glory broke into ordinary life, calling us to see Jesus personally, share His good news boldly, and live in worshipful praise.

Highlights

• The heavenly host announced Jesus’ birth with glory, joy, and peace for the world.

• God chose ordinary shepherds to first hear and respond to the greatest news in history.

• Seeing Jesus personally is essential—faith is not inherited, it’s encountered.

• The shepherds immediately shared what they had witnessed, spreading amazement and hope.

• Praise and worship naturally followed obedience and belief.

• The angels’ message continues to invite us into joy, proclamation, and worship today.

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Full Transcript Below:

What the Angels Proclaimed Still Matters

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” - Luke 2:13-14

Northern Lights, comets, planets aligning in the sky… they all catch our attention, especially for stargazers. It’s a thrilling sight to see the night sky lit up with brilliant light.

As Luke 2:9-12 describes, shepherds who were quietly minding their own business, guarding their sheep, watching over their flocks, were surprised, to say the least, at what happened to them one clear, starry night long ago:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’”

Although one shining angel is more than enough to catch their attention, God’s great joy and delight broke through from Heaven with a great heavenly host, praising God and lighting up the earth.

Why the Angel’s Proclamation Still Matters

Although thousands of years ago, what the angels proclaimed on that clear starry night still matters to us today. Here are three reasons why:

1. We each need to see the Savior for ourselves. Just as the shepherds were told to go see Jesus for themselves, it remains a divine directive that each one of us needs to follow.

As written in Luke 2:15-16, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

1. We still need to spread the word of Jesus’ birth. Just as at His birth, there are many who do not know about Jesus unless we tell them about Him and where to find Him.

As Luke 2:17-18 records, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

1. We are called to glorify and praise God. The angels glorified and praised God in their proclamation, an example for us to follow in celebrating His coming to earth.

As Luke 2:20 describes, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

As well, John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

Christmas is a time for great celebration, as demonstrated by the angels and heavenly host. The angels inspire us to spread this good news - an announcement like no other in the history of the world.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The angels’ glorious proclamation, so many years ago, remains ageless and forever relevant in Heaven and on earth. Their message doesn’t fade away or lose its impact on the world. Because what the angels proclaimed still matters, we can see, spread, and praise God through it.

Further Reading:

A Prayer of Celebration for Jesus’ Birth

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