Angels

‘The angel said... “do not be afraid”’

(Luke 1:13; Luke 1: 36; Matthew 1: 20; Luke 2: 10)

Angels play a big part in the Nativity narratives in the Gospels and so it is no surprise that they also appear frequently in Christmas hymns, on Christmas cards and in Christmas Nativity plays! But in spite of the usual depiction of angels in Nativity plays there is no mention in the Gospels of haloes or wings. But what is striking is the repeated message of the angels. To Zechariah when told of the future birth of John the Baptist, to Mary at the Annunciation, to Joseph when he discovers that Mary is pregnant, and to the shepherds on the Bethlehem hillside the word is the same; ‘Do not be afraid’.

In some ways I feel that my family and I have encountered some angels through our difficult few months; messengers who have brought a word of comfort and assurance to us.

I am not meaning literal ‘angels’ (although, who knows!) but the few people who have known the details for what we have faced (and some who have not known all that much) who have brought peace and comfort and often so much more to us.

These are the angels who have offered us a place to stay, a chance to get away from everything, practical guidance, a listening ear, wise counsel. And even although only a few have been in a position to offer these specific things, there have been others who have provided friendly support, a word of hope or comfort and the promise of prayer.

All of them have been like angels to us; divine messengers who have (wittingly or unwittingly) reflected something of God’s care and concern into our anxiety and uncertainly, and who have brought comfort and hope.

‘Do not be afraid’.

I am grateful for each and every ‘angel’ we have encountered over these months.

‘Do not be afraid’.