Submittted by: Paul Manning

Angels are very popular around Christmas time. They appear several times in the Bible to announce events related to the birth of Christ. Many Christmas carols tell of the angels of Christmas, and artists through the centuries have featured angels as part of the Christmas story.

Angels in the Bible announcing events associated with the first Christmas started with appearances to Elizabeth's husband, Zachariah, telling of the coming birth of John the Baptist. Next, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary telling her that she would have a son, Jesus, and of her cousin Elizabeth's pregnancy. Joseph was also visited by an angel and told not to be afraid to wed Mary.

After the birth of Jesus, an angel came to the shepherds bringing tidings of great joy. The first angel was suddenly joined by many others, saying "Glory to god in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men."

After the visit of the wise men, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, and told him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt.