Angel sculpture
Image by Karina Cubillo from Pixabay

Why We Need Angels

by

The word "angel" (angelos in Greek, malak in Hebrew) describes another "order" of created beings, different from humans.

It’s true that we call some good friends "angels." And so they are. They bring healing and light. Angels are pieces of an ancient cosmology (study of the universe, cosmos [world, universe] logos [word]).

When we make our way into Advent and Christmas we hear the story of Gabriel's announcement to Mary, his interaction with Zechariah, all the infancy narratives, leading up to the Archangel's Good News on Christmas Eve:

"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!'" (Luke 2:8-14 NRSV*)

This angel was no cute cherub. Angels are large. Cherubim are huge. Seraphim are serpent-like with six wings. The cherubim were represented on the lid of the Ark of the Covenant. The prophet Ezekiel describes them being full of eyes, wheels within wheels, one with the face of a man, another with the face of an eagle, another with the face of an ox, and one with the face of a lion. (These symbols eventually were designated to represent the four Gospels).

Angels are called "heavenly host," a "host" being an army. In the ancient world the angels were God's messengers, guardians, and forces for good in the world. (And, yes, there were angels who were not good. See the book of Enoch, anchored in the story of the giants in Genesis).

The Herald Angel did not speak in a whisper. He proclaimed his message in full-throated joy!

The first time I heard Christmas carols I heard them at Donald E. Gavit, Jr., Sr. High School. I was 13 years old. My mother and I sat in the school auditorium, spellbound, as Thomas Clark's choirs sang traditional carols, some from Lessons and Carols. I had not heard these carols before in my life.

In that moment I began to understand what Christmas meant. It was light in darkness. It was hope. It helped to create a different world inside myself, an "alternate reality," which became my Reality. Hope began to chip away at my inner darkness and to create something new!

I received Holy Communion on Christmas Eve 1965 when I was 13 years old. No. I wasn't a church member, yet. That would come 3 years later. (Hey! We're Methodists. Sometimes we get the cart before the horse!).

I felt a deep, inner peace, as I knelt in Woodmar United Methodist Church's candle-lit sanctuary. The symbolism brought more light into my mind and heart. I continued to see the "alternate reality" expressed in the Gospel. It was a Reality much different from that of the "world,” my world.

When we do something as "mundane" as reading the scripture lessons during Advent, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, what we do is not mundane. It is not dull as unbuttered toast. It is strawberry jam, exploding in our mouths, causing our mouths to water.

We have become so "anti-Christian" in the west and in the United States. Those who hate us really don't know us. They hate a representation of us, which can be hateful. Sometimes I wonder if those who hate aren't projecting their own hate on to others. Perhaps their inner "world" is full of darkness and hopelessness.

Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany proclaim a glory hidden from those whose eyes cannot see, with ears that cannot hear. They have not tasted the Lord's goodness yet.

Please listen to the angels’ messages.  They are God’s messengers.  They whisper and shout words of hope for us.  Yes, they speak to us even now if we will but listen.  When we encounter God’s Awe we are aware of angels’ presence. They usually speak words like this: “Don’t be afraid.”  “For to you is born this day in the city of David, Christ the Lord.” Don’t be afraid! Believe!

Each of us has a story to tell and a witness to proclaim in word and deed. Will it make a difference? Yes!

Do you have a story to tell of how Christ and the Church have enlightened you, saved you from sin and death? If so, share it at the appropriate time with someone who is struggling. You can be a messenger bringing words of hope to those in despair.

Pray that God will make a way for you to proclaim the Good News, good news in your life.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5 RSV)

All Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ!

Your brother, Chris

The Rev. Chris Madison of Frankfort, Ind., is a retired clergy member of the Indiana Annual Conference. This post is adapted from the author's permission Facebook page. To republish this content elsewhere, please contact the author via Facebook.