The First Christmas Was Celebrated by Angels
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute,
Abstract
This article explores the biblical and theological foundation of Christmas as first celebrated by the angels at the birth of Jesus Christ. Drawing upon Luke 2:8–15, it contends that the heavenly hosts were the original worshipers of Christ’s incarnation, thereby providing divine precedent for human celebration of Christmas. Through exegetical and doctrinal analysis, the study argues that angelic worship of the newborn Christ validates Christmas as a sacred and God-approved commemoration.
Keywords: Christmas, angels, incarnation, worship, theology, Luke 2:8–15
1. Introduction
The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, commonly known as Christmas, is one of the most significant events in Christian tradition. However, few realize that this celebration was first conducted not by human beings but by the angels of heaven. According to the Gospel of Luke, the angels of God were the first to proclaim and glorify God for the birth of Christ. This theological truth establishes that Christmas, at its core, is an act of divine worship rather than a mere human invention.
2. The Angelic Celebration of Christ’s Birth
The biblical foundation for the angelic celebration is found in Luke 2:8–15:
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, 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 this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ 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, goodwill toward men.’” (Luke 2:8–14, KJV)
This passage marks the first divine worship service conducted on earth. The angels, rejoicing and praising God for the incarnation of His Son, established the original Mass of Christ—from which the term Christmas is derived. The angelic chorus was therefore the first Christmas celebration in history.
3. Theological Implications of Angelic Worship
The angelic proclamation signifies more than heavenly rejoicing; it represents divine approval of Christ’s birth as a universal event of joy. The message declared by the angel—“good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people”—underscores the universality of salvation through Christ. Thus, celebrating the birth of Jesus is not merely permissible; it is theologically mandated by heaven’s own example.
The angels’ worship validates Christmas as a sacred act of adoration directed toward the incarnate Son of God. As the angels glorified God, believers are likewise called to rejoice in the gift of salvation manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. To reject or neglect this celebration is to ignore the joy proclaimed by the heavenly hosts.
Furthermore, spiritual beings opposed to God cannot rejoice in the incarnation, for the coming of Christ signifies the defeat of demonic power. The Apostle John confirms: “The Son of God appeared for this purpose—to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8, NASB). Therefore, joy at the birth of Christ is a distinguishing mark of divine alignment and faithfulness.
4. The Meaning and Etymology of Christmas
The word Christmas originates from the combination of Christ and Mass. The term Mass refers to the Eucharistic celebration or worship in the Christian tradition. Hence, Christ-Mass literally means “the worship of Christ.”
According to Luke 2:13–14, the angels’ act of praising God at the birth of Jesus constitutes the first Mass or act of worship dedicated to Christ. This divine origin of worship establishes Christmas as an inherently sacred observance. Consequently, every believer who celebrates Christmas partakes in a worshipful tradition inaugurated by heaven itself.
5. Conclusion
The birth of Jesus Christ was first celebrated by the angels, making Christmas an event of divine initiative. The angels’ act of praise in Luke 2:8–15 represents the original and pure form of Christmas worship. Therefore, when humanity celebrates Christmas, it participates in a heavenly tradition that glorifies God and honors the incarnation of His Son.
What the angels of God performed was holy; thus, when believers commemorate the same, they engage in a holy act pleasing to the Creator. The true essence of Christmas lies in worship—adoring God for His indescribable gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
References
The Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611). Luke 2:8–15; 1 John 3:8.
Shimba, M. (2018, December 25). Krisimasi ya Kwanza Ilifanywa na Malaika [The First Christmas Was Celebrated by Angels]. Shimba Theological Institute.
Titus 2:13 — “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Correspondence:
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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