What Did the Angels Say at Christmas? Part 3

What Did the Angels Say at Christmas? Part 3
Monday, December 15, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

A Baby is Born

After a difficult pregnancy and stressful delivery, my first daughter was born. Vivid memories still flash through my mind. Her tiny cry, her delicate features, her velvety skin. We waited so long, and finally she was here.

A miracle. Fresh from heaven, a gift from God.

The day a baby is born is special. We recall details we would easily forget on a regular day.

The labor pains. The preparation. The drive to the hospital. The doctors and nurses. The birth process. Then, touching the baby. Stroking their downy cheeks and holding them close. Wrapping the baby in a cherished outfit purchased just for the occasion.

These are moments you remember forever.

When we pause and recall the sacredness of a child’s birth, we ponder more deeply the hallowed nature of Jesus’ birth that very first Christmas.

Christ, the Savior is Born

The past two weeks, we read the biblical account of Christmas recorded in Luke 2. God sent angels saying, “Fear not,” and proclaiming this exciting news—a baby is born.

Let’s pause and visualize the details about this holy day as written in Scripture.

Luke 2:8-12

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Imagine the shepherds' wonder. Their eyes widened, gawking at angelic figures unlike anything they had ever seen before. They heard an unexpected message of great news. A baby is born!

A baby is news for rejoicing, of course. But this is not just any baby. This is Christ the Lord.

Then the angels described the sign the shepherds should look for. They will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

Surely they began piecing this picture together in their minds. Their thoughts may have circled back to other newborn babies they had seen and held. An infant. Tiny hands, tiny face, tiny eyes. Wrapped in cloths. This all sounds good.

But, lying in a manger?

As shepherds, they knew a manger held feed for animals. Cows or donkeys or sheep. Why would a mother place her vulnerable infant in a manger?

They must have turned this matter over in their minds.

Wouldn’t a child who is the Messiah, the Savior, be revered? Robed with the finest cloths and placed in a royal bed?

A heavenly herald of the long-awaited Savior was marked with the signs of a lowly commoner.

What kind of Messiah would He be?

While we gather for Christmas festivities again this year, may we remember our uncontainable God allowed Himself to be constrained in the womb of a mother and laid in a humble manger. The Architect of the universe became Immanuel. God. With. Us.

The God-child. The Lamb and Lord. For all people.

Whatever you may be facing this Christmas season, He is with you, dear friend.

May the Holy Spirit etch this incredible miracle more deeply into our hearts this year.

Have you ever held a baby and thought of Jesus?

Looking for a gift to help your loved ones draw near Jesus? Check out my book, The Whole Bible Devotional. Less than $13!

Comments

Jessica Brodie From SC At 12/21/2025 3:10:46 PM

Such a great and helpful series, Melissa! You are right.... babies DO remind me sometimes of Jesus. They seem touched by the holy!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I agree, Jessica! Babies are fresh from heaven and still have that holy purity. Merry Christmas!

Yvonne Morgan From Oklahoma At 12/20/2025 1:31:24 PM

I love this series Melissa. So inspiring. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you for reading, Yvonne, and for your encouraging words. God's Word reveals untold riches as we mine it again and again. Merry Christmas!

Warren McLaughlin From Pennsylvania At 12/18/2025 8:58:18 PM

"Good news of great joy that will be for all the people." What good news it was and is. Every healthy delivery is a reason for parents to thank God. The Christmas delivery is one everyone can be thankful for.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Beautiful analogy! May we cherish the precious little ones God has blessed us with. And most of all the Precious Savior who brings us into His eternal family.

Karen Friday From At 12/17/2025 1:25:03 PM

This is beautiful, Melissa, I like to think about Mary’s thoughts carrying and delivering the Messiah. How He was a baby but God with us! Merry Christmas

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you for your kind words, Karen. When I think of the Eternal God, as a tender and vulnerable baby, I am amazed again at His incredible love and grace. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Prayers continuing for Mike!

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 12/16/2025 8:23:48 AM

Every baby is a precious gift from God. I can only imagine the joy and love Mary felt when she heard the first cry of Jesus and saw his face. God loves us so much, more than we can comprehend. I pray that everyone knows God and feels His love. Merry Christmas! :-)

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I agree wholeheartedly, Melissa. Every baby is truly a miracle and a gift from God. How amazing that our God came to us as a baby. I join you in praying that everyone knows and feels Jesus' love. Merry Christmas to you and your family, dear friend!

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