In the Bible narrative of Christmas, there are two angelic visits that occur important to the story. First, the angel known as Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary to inform her that she will give birth to the "Son of the Most High." Additionally, an angel appears to shepherds watching over their flock to bring them "good news of great joy" that a savior has been born in the town of David. Discover more about the Angels of Christmas in the summaries below!
Angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary
The Biblical account begins with God sending the Angel Gabriel to visit the Virgin Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, in the town of Nazareth. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was very disturbed by his message and questioned what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel spoke to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.'
'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.' 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her.
Scripture Verses: Luke 1:26-38
Angels visit the Shepherds
Shepherds of "fat-tailed" sheep were keeping watch over their flock near the town of David when an Angel of the Lord appears to them and scared them with its presence. The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' 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 rushed to find Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they witnessed baby Jesus, they quickly spread the angelic message that had been told about the child, and all who heard it were over-joyed with amazement. The shepherds then returned, praising and adoring God for all the things they had observed, which were just as predicted by the angels
Scripture Verses: Luke 2:8-20
Discover the full scripture text for the "Angel Gabriel visits Virgin Mary" and "Angels visit the Shepherds" Bible stories as well as related articles, podcasts, and sermons below!
