THE FIRST CHRISTMAS WAS CELEBRATED BY ANGELS

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS WAS CELEBRATED BY ANGELS

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ, the Great God (Titus 2:13)
Originally written on Tuesday, December 25, 2018

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Abstract

This article examines the biblical origin and theological foundation of Christmas as first celebrated by the angels at the birth of Jesus Christ. Drawing upon Luke 2:8–15, it argues that the heavenly hosts were the inaugural participants in the worship of the incarnate Christ, thereby legitimizing human celebration of Christ’s birth as both holy and divinely approved.

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1. Introduction

It is crucial for every believer to understand that the very first celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ—what we now call Christmas—was not initiated by human beings, but by the holy angels of God. The Gospel according to Luke provides a vivid record of this divine event.

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2. The Angelic Celebration of Christ’s Birth

The Gospel of Luke 2:8–15 recounts:

“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)

The appearance of the angelic host, glorifying God at the birth of Jesus, represents the first divine celebration of Christ’s nativity. This event marks the origin of Christmas worship, carried out in heaven before it was ever observed on earth.

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3. Theological Implications of Angelic Worship

If the holy angels of God rejoiced and praised Him for the birth of Jesus, it cannot be considered sinful for believers to commemorate the same event. The angelic proclamation of “good news of great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10) affirms that this celebration is meant to be universal. The joy expressed by the angels signifies divine approval and sanctity of the occasion.

Therefore, any person who rejoices at the birth of Jesus aligns with the heavenly hosts. The refusal to celebrate or find joy in Christ’s birth might symbolically indicate spiritual alienation from the divine, for even demons cannot rejoice at the coming of Christ, since His incarnation stripped them of power over humanity (cf. 1 John 3:8).

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4. The Meaning of Christmas

The term Christmas derives from two words: Christ and Mass. The union of these terms—Christ-Mass—literally means the worship of Christ. Hence, Christmas is fundamentally an act of worship directed toward the incarnate Son of God.

This worship began officially when Jesus was born, as the angels conducted the first Mass of Christ (Luke 2:13). Their praises to God marked the first earthly worship service dedicated to the Messiah. Consequently, when believers celebrate Christmas, they are not engaging in a secular tradition but in a sacred continuation of angelic worship.

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5. Conclusion

The celebration of Christ’s birth is, therefore, not a human invention but a heavenly precedent. To commemorate Christmas is to participate in a sacred act first modeled by the angels themselves. Since what the angels of God performed was holy, it follows that when humanity celebrates the birth of Jesus, they too perform a holy act pleasing to God.

Thus, the true essence of Christmas is divine worship — glorifying God for the gift of salvation through the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Bibliography

• The Holy Bible, Luke 2:8–15.

• Titus 2:13 – “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

• Shimba, Maxwell. The First Christmas Was Celebrated by Angels. Shimba Theological Institute, 2018.

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Shalom,
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Servant of Jesus Christ, the Great God (Titus 2:13)

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