Angels. We see them everywhere during Christmas. We see the cute little cherubs and the lovely angels with long flowing blond hair and billowing robes and beating wings, but in truth we have let these images box in the true identity of God’s angels. Angel means “messenger” and God created them to bring His messages to us. In Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20, you will read the Christmas story and how God sent His angels to deliver a message of great joy. Can you imagine being suddenly confronted by an unworldly being who gives your eyes and ears a direct message from God that is so overwhelming that it must be preceded by “Don’t be afraid”?
Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds received such a message, a message that was so powerful that they couldn’t help but act upon it. In Acts 10 there is a story about Peter and Cornelius, both of whom were given messages by God, one while praying and the other by an angel. God got their attention with His message and both men acted upon it. These are only a few examples of how God chooses to use His heavenly messengers and deliver His good news. But just because these stories are written in an ancient text, doesn’t mean that God is finished delivering His good news. God still speaks. He still sends messages of hope. He still finds new and surprising ways to tell people about His great love for them. He still sends Christ’s followers out to spread the good news, and He still reaches out to those who have yet to hear and receive that good news.
Look around you. Listen. God is here. Christ is present with us, and His Holy Spirit continues to whisper in our ears and to shout with joy the good of great joy this season. Will you receive His words of hope and peace? Will you share them?
(tomorrow, “Angels Part 2)
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