Topical Encyclopedia Definition: An angelic announcement refers to a message delivered by an angel, a celestial being, to humans. These announcements are significant events in the biblical narrative, often heralding divine intervention, guidance, or revelation. Biblical Instances: 1. The Annunciation to Mary: One of the most well-known angelic announcements is the message delivered to Mary, the mother of Jesus, by the angel Gabriel. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be called the Son of the Most High. The angel's message emphasizes the miraculous nature of the conception and the divine identity of Jesus. "The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.'" (Luke 1:30-31) 2. The Announcement to the Shepherds: On the night of Jesus' birth, an angel appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem to announce the Savior's birth. This announcement is characterized by the angel's proclamation of good news and the subsequent appearance of a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God. "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:10-11) 3. The Announcement to Zechariah: Prior to the birth of Jesus, the angel Gabriel also appeared to Zechariah, a priest, to announce the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist. This announcement took place while Zechariah was serving in the temple, and it foretold the role of John as the forerunner to the Messiah. "But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.'" (Luke 1:13) 4. The Announcement to Joseph: In the Gospel of Matthew, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream to reassure him about taking Mary as his wife, explaining that her child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. This announcement underscores the divine nature of Jesus' conception and birth. "But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 1:20) Theological Significance: Angelic announcements in the Bible serve as divine communications that reveal God's will and purpose. They often occur at pivotal moments in salvation history, marking the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. These announcements are characterized by their clarity, authority, and the assurance they provide to the recipients. Angels, as messengers of God, play a crucial role in bridging the divine and human realms, delivering messages that are integral to the biblical narrative and the understanding of God's interaction with humanity. |