A wonderful Christmas carol written by Charles Wesley is, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. Wesley stands tall among hymnwriters in the history of the Christian church.

However, it appears that the day Wesley wrote this magnificent carol he did not read his KJV or Greek New Testament carefully enough. The angels spoke, they did not sing.

It is a minor point and I do not dwell on it. As stated in a previous devotional, the major point here is that the first recorded annunciation of Messiah’s arrival was made to ordinary members of society, not to the rich and powerful. Their invitation will come later, as we shall see in another devotional.

During recorded biblical history there are numerous times when angels appear with messages from Jehovah. Also, angels come to the Lord’s people just before death.

The beggar Lazarus had several angels come to escort Him to heaven (Luke 16:19-22). Then we see the Lord Jesus in Gethsemane hours before the cross, being strengthened by an angel. (Luke 22:43)

How wonderful to know that no believer dies alone but they have the gracious ministry of angels strengthening them in the hour of death.

So, the One Who came to die for the sins of His people sends angels to minister to His people in life—like the shepherds—and to His people in death—like Lazarus.

’Tis midnight, and on Olive’s brow
the star is dimmed that lately shone;
’tis midnight; in the garden now
the suff'ring Savior prays alone.

’Tis midnight, and, from all removed,
Emmanuel wrestles lone with fears:
e’en the disciple that He loved
heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.

’Tis midnight, and, for others’ guilt,
the Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;
yet He that hath in anguish knelt
is not forsaken by His God.

’Tis midnight; and from heav'nly plains
is borne the song that angels know;
unheard by mortals are the strains
that sweetly soothe the Savior’s woe.

-W. Tappan