Christmas is only one week away and many families, including yours and mine, are preparing for that special day. Reverend Sue, Kathleen and many others in the church have also been preparing and finding words, music, stories and images to help us prepare. This Sunday at 10:00 we will be able to listen to the wonderful readings and music of Lessons and Carols. Lessons and Carols is a special service that shares many readings from the Bible and a variety of beautiful Christmas music.
Many of the stories you’ll hear will mention angels. The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her that she will have the baby Jesus. Gabriel is the guardian angel of Israel and has also been called the “strength of God.”
But most of the angels mentioned in the Bible are not named. We do not know the names of the angels who came to Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, to Mary’s husband Joseph, or to John the Baptist. Angels are messengers from God who come to those who need help and wisdom. They are also protectors and helpers. They give help or helpful words when help is needed.
We never hear anything in the news or in school about angels, except at Christmas, but there are angels around us every day. They help us to stay safe. They offer us love and kindness. They care about us. Sometimes the angels are people we know. And sometimes they are strangers – angels who surprise us with a smile or kind word when we feel sad or angry. Angels who appear and help us when we really need help.
Someone once said: “Angels DO walk among us. Sometimes the only thing we may not see are the wings resting upon their backs.”
Angels are around us all year long – but this week before Christmas is a good time to start watching for the angels:
- You can watch for the angels by watching for those who are caring and helping. Watch for the angels who bring you good news. Watch for the angels who make you feel loved.
- Listen to the wonderful song, Angels Among Us and join them in the chorus
- Make some paper plate angels to decorate your house, or to share with people you love.
I hope to see you in church or on Zoom on Sunday or on Christmas Eve. Here are some angels for you to color as you listen to wonderful stories and angelic music.
As you prepare for Christmas, remember that God is always with you, on good days and bad. And remember to watch for angels!
~*~ Peg Koller~*~