And with the angels proclaim the glad tidings!
Angels are a very interesting subject. Modern views depicts angels as young, attractive women in shining clothing, white wings spread wide as they fly through the air and watch over us. Or alternately they are depicted as cherubic (pun very much intended) children with crowns of flowers, playing with wildlife or making people fall in love. They sound like someone you’d like to have around – peace-loving, kind, gentle, and beautiful. Sounds good, right?
In the Bible, we find a different image of angels presented. Whenever anyone runs into one of them, they fall flat on their faces in terror! Ever wonder why “Do not fear!” is so often the first phrase out of an angel’s mouth? Yeah, it’s that whole utter immobilizing terror thing. Angels are often agents of God’s wrath: effecting plagues, destroying armies, and pouring out bowls of God’s judgment in the end days. Sound like pop culture might be off on a detail or two? Oh – incidentally, angels are (almost?) universally male, and rarely have wings. Got it? Good.
Interestingly, these fearsome beings seem to often appear in a very non-destructive role: that of God’s messengers! Standing in God’s presence, they come at His command to proclaim His will (Luke 1:19). Patriarchs, prophets, and Old Testament kings were visited by angels who spoke and ministered to them. And when the time arrived for Jesus to be born, it was angels who appeared to proclaimed His coming: to an old priest, a young virgin, her hesitant fiance, and a crowd of shepherds out in nearby fields.
During this week’s Advent celebration (reminder: this, and this), we talked with our kids about the joyful news proclaimed by these messengers. “Tidings of great joy to all people” was their cry, and that joy was reflected in the responses of those to whom they appeared. (After they got over the terror bit.) God certainly didn’t skimp with His Son’s birth announcements!
Well, as un-angelic as each of us are, God has given us a role to play in proclaiming Jesus! We are commanded to “make disciples of all nations,” to “not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,” and to “always be prepared to give an answer … for the hope that you have.” We too are among God’s messengers, carrying a message of great joy to people in great need of hope in Christ! What an amazing privilege, that God would use us to reveal His Son to others. Amy and I greatly anticipate being those messengers for the Lord in Mexico, once God brings us there. Where is God using you to share Jesus today?
As the year winds to a close, we find ourselves busy as ever. God has blessed us through another family committing to partnering with us, and we are very thankful! In addition to meetings (four last week) as we prepare for Mexico, we taught junior church at Peaceful Valley on two consecutive Sunday mornings. The kids gave us a more ‘energetic’ audience than usual, and we enjoyed them thoroughly as we taught through the Christmas story! This week also provided opportunities for me to help friends and neighbors with computer problems, which I am sorry to say are as widespread and confounding as ever. Amy has also done great work on our Christmas cards, and worked out several logistical details for Christmas in Seattle.
Prayer Requests: we would love to have good weather and safe trip for our visit to Seattle, which is coming the night of Sunday the 22nd. (Our minivan is incapable of using chains, so snow and ice are not considered good travel companions.) Please pray that God will work to His glory through our journey!
Sharon Guldjord (Grammie/GiGiG says
Excellent! I enjoyed the picture and reading all about angels. I knew most of it, but I’m sure
some were learning new things or appreciated being reminded. Praying for your trip over
and for our time together. I love you all, Grammie/GiGi