The Same Angels

by

Years ago a retired pastor, Emory Bucke, told the story of taking a group of young boys from his church into the city of Worcester to see the Christmas decorations.  It was an annual event and as they stood and marveled at one of the displays, one little boy (who had gone with the group the year before) tugged at his sleeve: “Rev. Bucke... them's the same angels they had last year, ain't they?” As he told the story, we laughed at the innocence – but I must confess that over the years his story has come back to me many times, and each time I have marveled at the insight.

In the first place, angels are central to the story of Christmas, speaking to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, to the shepherds. The appearance of an angel, even in a dream, was not taken lightly, nor was it a ‘feel good’ experience. It was understood that an angel was a messenger of God, sent with a message, often a warning. Most appearances of an angel inspired fear. “Pay attention!”  So, the first words were always: “Do not be afraid.”

Consider Zechariah: righteous, faithful, old, childless - “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son.” John: a prophet of the most high, preparing the way of the Lord, giving knowledge of salvation to the people.

Consider Mary: young, betrothed but not married, about to become pregnant, scared - then comes the angel Gabriel - “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Jesus: the Son of the Most High, holy, the Son of God.

Consider Joseph: betrothed, just, righteous, embarrassed, compassionate then comes an angel - “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Consider The shepherds: common, working, awake in the night - then comes a great host of angels - “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among all with who He is pleased.”

Like Zechariah and Elizabeth there are those who are disappointed in life - people who lived faithfully, but whose lives didn’t quite turn out the way that they had hoped - then comes an angel with a message of hope - do not be afraid - your prayer is heard - with God all things are possible.  

Like Mary there are those who are overwhelmed in life, willing to persevere, but unsure that they can - then comes an angel with the assurance that the grace of God will show the way - do not be afraid - what shall come forth from you with be clothed with blessedness.

Like Joseph there are those whose lives take a sudden turn - people whose plans are upset by an unexpected circumstance, looking for a way out - then comes an angel with a new way of looking at things - do not be afraid - stay the course  - God will show the way.

Like the shepherds there are those who work long hours in humble jobs, unnoticed and bypassed by the attentions of the world - then comes a whole host of angels singing of a truth that will transform the world - do not be afraid - go and see, then share what you have seen.  

Each year Christmas is a reminder, if we but pay attention, that there are still angels among us - the same angels - telling us to not be afraid; showing us the possibility of life; teaching us how to sing. That's the beauty of Christmas!  And, yes! As a simple child reminds us, “them’s the same angels” - returned again - every year - with the same message - “Unto you a child is born!”

The Rev. F. Richard Garland is a retired clergy member of the New England Annual Conference.