What might someone preach or teach on this contrast between Christ and the angels?
A more basic question is when would one preach or teach about angels in general. Christians believe in angels, so it only makes sense that at some point you would preach or teach about them. Hebrews has a piece of the angel puzzle.
First, Hebrews talks about angels as messengers for God. In 2:2 we will be reminded that they are mediators of the old covenant. It is doubtful, however, that many in our churches today will be struggling with too high a view of angels in relation to Christ or in thinking that Christ himself was an angel.
There might be other "mediators" that a person might have too high a view of, however. It seems unlikely these days, but it is of course possible that a Catholic or Orthodox person might let a saint or icon come into competition with the intercessory role of Christ. I personally find this highly doubtful in this day and age.
Certainly there is much to celebrate about Christ here, to be sure. He is God's Son, the appointed Messiah. If the angels worship him, how much more must we! Christ's authority in relation to the creation is also a part of this passage. Finally, we see that the angels are sent to minister to us as we await salvation.
Do you have other thoughts on sermons and lessons you might do from Hebrews 1:5-14?
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The Orthodox church has a hymn that they sing at the beginning of the paschal liturgy--
"Angels in heaven worship your resurrection, O Christ; may we on earth glorify you in purity of heart."
The idea for first line seems to come straight from Hebrews, to me.
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