Advent Guide: You BelongSample

Sing With the Armies of Heaven

When we picture angels, especially at Christmastime, the emotions associated with our imagined figures are probably peace and joy. When we imagine a multitude of angels, especially at Christmastime, our first instinct is likely to imagine them as an angelic choir.

Yet throughout Scripture, the first response of those who actually encounter angels is fear. An angelic herald very often has to begin his announcement with, "Fear not," since the one being addressed is too frightened to listen well. This is the case of the shepherds on the hillside outside Bethlehem.

This response is appropriate, as the people of the Bible knew something we often forget. They knew angels are the army of God. God, 'The Lord of Hosts,' is God of Angel Armies.

How would you feel if a fully armed soldier rang your doorbell, or appeared in your living room unannounced? Would you immediately expect a message of peace and joy, or would you expect trouble?

What about a whole platoon? Or a battalion? Or a whole brigade?

How would you feel, though, if they burst into song?

When do armies sing? They sing in moments of reverence, and in moments of triumph. A battle has been won, or at least a campaign has begun in which they expect victory.

The season of Advent encourages us to focus on joy, and usually, we look to our own. But do not miss the joy of the armies in heaven at the birth of the Messiah, at the beginning of the campaign of his kingdom against the darkness.

Sing with them in triumph this season, for the battle he began with his incarnation, he won with his obedience, self-sacrificial love, and resurrection from the dead.

Patrick Adair is the pastor of The Crossing Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas. His greatest joys are his wife Jeni and their two daughters, Sheridan and Meagan.