Angels We Have Heard on High

Good Tidings of Great Joy (The Angel Appears to the Shepherds), by Walter Rane

One of the fascinating parts of the Christmas story is how readily we talk of angels.  There were indeed several accounts of angels attending and ministering in and around the events of the Savior’s birth.  Accounts of angels provide evidence of interactions between the heavens and the earth.  Records that tell of angels suggest activity and workings beyond our mortal eyesight.  Perhaps that is why angels are often depicted as having wings, signifying motion and power beyond our earthly capacity. 

Well, if angels engaged in the great happenings of the Father’s Plan back then, then how much more so might we expect angelic involvement in the greatest time in all of earth’s history, in the very last days of the restoration, and in preparation for the Savior’s return?

President Russel M Nelson has spoken often about angels. In his latest conference address, he said: 

“Please listen to this promise of Jesus Christ to you: ‘I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.’” (“The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” October 2024)

In April he taught that worship in the temple will increase our access to angels:

“We are instructed that all who worship in the temple will have the power of God and angels having “charge over them.” ... What courage does it give you to know that angels really will help you?” (“Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys,” April 2024)

Angels well strengthen you in Christ because angels testify of Christ.  Angels minister like Christ.  Angels are messengers that teach, preach, and prophecy of Christ.

“And the angel said unto them, ... behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:10-14)

In a Christmas message on social media this week, President Jeffrey R Holland shared:

“We ought to believe in angels.  We ought to believe in miracles.  We ought to believe in the work of those on the other side of the veil. ...there are scores of angels, your families, your predecessors, progenitors who are watching out for you, ministering to you, and providing angelic protection, care, nurturing... Please this Christmas, believe in angels and believe in them forever.  Because they are working with us.  And perhaps if we had more faith more devotion a little more commitment, we would see the hand of angels more and more in our lives.  They are there -- and we need to trust and believe and invite them to be there.... we shouldn't be oblivious to the fact that God sends angels to direct our lives, and bless our lives, and care for our lives, especially at Christmas, but always.” (Holland, Instagram post, December 2024)

May we have eyes to see the heavenly workings of our loving Father in Heaven.  May we harken to the voices of angels that we hear in each testimony of the Savior.  May we move into the new year with confidence in Christ and in knowing He will send angels round about us to bear us up!

Merry Christmas to you all,

Auburn Stake Presidency