When the priest Zechariah heard that his wife, Elizabeth would bear a son, He asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years" (Luke 1:18). "The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news'" (v. 19).
The angel Gabriel is mentioned by name in several different Biblical passages. In Daniel 8:16 and 17, Gabriel tells of God's special plan through the vision of the ram and goat and in 9:21 and 22, the vision of the seven weeks. The name Gabriel means "mighty one of God." Gabriel was God's special messenger of good news. The other angel specifically named in the Bible is Michael.
What do angels do? In the Scriptures, we are told that angels stand around the throne and attend God. (See 1 Kings 22:19, Daniel 7:10, and Isaiah 6:1-3). Angles are also "ministering spirits sent to serve those who inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). The Bible also indicates that people have "guardian angels." (see Matthew 18:10 and Acts 12:15). The Greek word for angel literally means "messenger" or "one sent." In the Christmas story and other Scripture texts, angels are engaged in this important activity. (See Revelation 2 and 3).
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The angel Gabriel was sent by God to announce special plans for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Also Mary (see Luke 1:26-38) and Joseph - "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins'" (Matthew 1:20-21). While the Bible does not specifically mention that it was Gabriel who spoke to Joseph, it is a safe assumption that it was. God also has plans and a will for us. It may not be as momentous a message nor be delivered by an angel, but nevertheless he does have a purpose for each one.
The good news Gabriel told Zechariah was that he would be a father. The arrival of a child is indeed good news, but this son was special also because he would be the prophet to announce the coming of Messiah. (Read Zechariah's Psalm in Luke 1:67-79). An angel of the Lord, probably Gabriel, announced the birth of Jesus to the Shepherds. "The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord'" (Luke 2:10-11).
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Today God uses people like you and me to tell this good news to the world. Instead of using angels, He has chosen to give us this special privilege and responsibility.
