The most angel activity recorded in history is around the birth of Christ. Eight angel messages: to old and young, to Jew and Gentile. In addition to other recorded events, we read that the Holy Spirit caused the baby John to leap in Elizabeth’s womb, in response to Mary’s greeting (Lk 1:41-44). Then the Holy Spirit directed Simeon and Anna to the temple to see the newborn Messiah (Luke 2:26-35, 36-38). Finally, we have the miraculous star guiding wise men from afar (Matt 2:1-2).
In past revivals and current visitations, there have been reports of angel activity, along with dreams, visions, and miraculous signs. In Muslim and native villages, appearances of Jesus and angels open peoples’ hearts to believe and obey. The Bible says we are in the last days (Acts 2:17), even the last hour (I John 2:18). People are excited about angels and revelations, but not necessarily about obedience.
you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3First of all you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions 4and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” RSV 2 Peter 3:2-4
The issue for us is not whether we see angels or special signs, but that we prepare ourselves for his return, through the obedience of faith.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 45”Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. NIV Matt 24:44-46
Read these angels’ appearances and be encouraged that Christ is coming again, with all the angels of heaven (Matt 13 and 2 Thess 2:17)
Lk 1:11-21 Gabriel to Zacharias, that he and Elizabeth would have a son who would be the forerunner of Messiah.
Lk 1:26-38 Gabriel to Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin, announcing she would be the mother of Jesus.
Mt 1:20-24 an angel of the Lord to Joseph, saying to fear not to marry Mary, “for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
Lk 2:9-15 an angel of the Lord to the shepherds, announcing Jesus’ birth
Mt 2:12 God warns the three wise men not to return to Herod.
Mt 2:13 an angel of the Lord warns Joseph to flee from Herod to Egypt.
Mt 2:19 an angel of the Lord tells Joseph in a dream, “return to Israel.”
Mt 2:22 God tells Joseph again in a dream, turn aside to Galilee instead of Judea
God still speaks today. Angels watch and help wise men hear, worship and obey (Heb 1:7 and Psalm 104:4).
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