Christmas in Heaven: Messengers

Is Christmas celebrated in Heaven?

How could it not be? If it wasn’t for the virgin birth of Jesus the messiah, no one would be in Heaven.

Mark Bumpus, Grannie Annie days after Christmas.

These are the thoughts that we as believers can spend our lives in wonder about.

The scripture provides amazing insight into the Christmas story with Heaven in view.

Luke 1:26–38 NASB95

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36 “And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Gabriel - “Champion of God” Archangel (1 of 2 mentioned)

Spoke on would happen in the end times while giving wisdom and understanding to Daniel.

Many angels were sent as messengers but only two other than Satan are given a name spoken of in the scriptures.

Michael, guardian of Israel and the high priest of Heaven is more occupied with the affairs in Heaven, but Gabriel is God’s messenger who goes from Heaven to execute God’s will on earth.

1. Heaven Only Knows Favor

Gabriel was sent to the rural town of Galilee.

Mary was “betrothed” to Joseph. Binding engagement.

“Favored” lit. “endued with grace” because of Immanuel.

“Made accepted”

Mary was trouble with Gabriels statement.

Her humbled state could not understand why a heavenly visitor could greet her in such an exalted tone.

Mary was unaware of what was about to happen and was unprepared for this favor that was on her life.

Gabriel, having heavenly authority to tell her this message teaches us all about the favor of God.

I often try to tell others who they are according to the Lord’s standard and I’m usually met with skepticism.

Living in the full favor of the Lord means to be fully accepted by God.

Psychologically, most of our feelings can be traced to 2 fundamental human needs:

The need for control - Self determination stems from this need.

The need for relatedness - We are social creatures by nature.

When we don’t feel one or either of these needs being met, our ability to trust others or accept love is violated.

Do you pray for favor on your life and others?

Grace is on the life of every believer.

Favor is the message we need to know that we are accepted by God.