Angels are depicted as gentle-looking, plump and child-like,
winged figures with halos around their blond heads. They carry harps or horns and
wear flowing, gossamer-type white or light color robes.
But are these images a true depiction of the Biblical creatures
they represent?
Angels in the Bible
Angels do exist and it’s appropriate that they be a part
of Christmas since they have key roles in the Christmas story.
It was an angel, Gabriel, that visited the virgin Mary with
news that she would carry JESUS, the Christ Child, and angels announced His
birth to the world.
The Bible tells of many other instances in both the Old and New Testaments Scriptures where angels have significant roles.
Who are angels and what do they do?
Angels are spirit creatures created by GOD.
The Bible does not give any general description of angels
but shows them in a variety of roles.
Angels in the New Testament (NT):
The word angel is translated from the Greek word aggelos (or
angelos), which means “messenger” and this is exactly the role they take in NT
Biblical references – delivering messages.
- The angel Gabriel delivered news of the birth of John the Baptist to his father and about JESUS to His mother – While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Luke 1: 5:19; God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. Luke 1:26-38
- A group of angels brought news of JESUS’ birth to a group of shepherds – “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem…” Luke 2:8-16
- An angel delivered news of JESUS’ resurrection to two women who came to the tomb to recover His body for embalming. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen…” Matthew 28:1-10
In every instance shown, fear was the reaction to the angels’
visitations – even with the Roman guards who had a reputation for being extremely fierce. The guards shook with fear when they saw
him, and they fell into a dead faint. Matthew
28:4
The words “fear not”
or “do not be afraid” were spoken before every
announcement.
Angels in the Old Testament (OT):
Angels were much more active during the OT than in the NT. The book of Job indicates that angels were actually present
at creation – “Where were you when I laid
the foundations of the earth….and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? Job
38:4-7
References to angels begin in Genesis with Abraham and his family
and continue through to the Prophets:
- Abraham’s wife mistreated her servant, Hagar because she conceived Abraham’s child, Hagar ran away. But an angel of the LORD found Hagar, sent her back home and gave her good news about her son’s future. “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. Genesis 16
- Hagar and her child were sent away eventually and again angels came to her aid. Genesis 21:8-20
- In Genesis 18 three angels in the form of men visited Abraham with news that he and Sarah would be parents. Later in Genesis 19, two of those angels rescue Abraham’s nephew from Sodom before destroying the entire city.
- Abraham’s grandson Jacob had a variety of experiences with angels – that famous stairway dream being one episode. (Genesis 28:10-12; 31:11-13; 32:1-2)
- Exodus 12 recounts the events of the first Passover and GOD’s rescue of His people out of Egypt. It was an angel of death that killed every firstborn of those families who did not have blood over the door post.
- When King David acted against GOD’s wishes and conducted a census of the Nation of Israel, GOD’s judgement came through the angel of the LORD. 2 Samuel 24:16-17.
In addition, we read about the angel of the LORD giving warnings against
disobedience
and idolatry;
calling down
curses on Nations; killing
thousands of soldiers in one night; and saving
Daniel from being eaten by lions.
The impact of angels on people in both Old and New Testament
accounts indicate to us that these are creatures that both radiate and perform with
great power.
Angels are definitely not the cute and cuddly-type images we
love to include in our Christmas decor.
Just a few places in the Bible talk about angels' apparel; one is the recounting of the angel who appeared to the women at JESUS’ tomb.
All accounts of angels show them doing GOD’s will....whatever
the task. They are GOD’s helpers.
However, there is a group of angels that are definitely not working for their Creator.
To be continued…
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, YOUR WORD says that YOU made us a
little lower than the angels but it also says that YOU use angels to
protect us and deliver us from harm. Thank you for showing us again through YOUR WORD
that YOU are truly the only wise GOD and the Creator of everything for our joy and
YOUR glory. Help us to rejoice in YOU always! We pray and ask all in JESUS NAME. Amen.
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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