From time to time in the Old Testament, the preincarnate Christ makes an appearance as the "Angel of the Lord." The translators let us know the places where the text supports that an angel is actually Christ, by capitalizing the word "Angel." Some examples of this are the Angel of the Lord appearing to Haggar in the wilderness, Daniel in the lions' den, and the parents of Samson to announce his impending birth.
It's this latter example that I read about last night in my devotional time. In Judges 13 the Angel of the Lord appears to Samson's mother first, and then later both parents. When Samson's father asks the Angel His name, I love his response, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?"
As we launch into the Christmas season, let's remember there is something supernatural, powerful, awe-inspiring, and wonderful about the name of JESUS.
