2,000 years ago, angels appeared to Joseph, Mary, and a group of shepherds to announce the coming birth of Jesus. These are awesome stories we share each Christmas. And as we are focused on the baby Jesus-he is the main character after all-I think we forget about the angels a bit. Angels show up a lot in the Bible. And most of the time their initial words to the humans they have appeared to is, "Do not be afraid." I think they say this because they actually see an angel!
You see, you and I have this mental image of angels as being sweet, cheerful, and mild mannered babies, armed with wings and harps. They would never become upset or aggressive. It's not their nature. They certainly would never intimidate or scare anyone. That wouldn't be very "angelic" of them. But that's not who we see in the Bible.
Over and over again, angels show up and say "Do not be afraid." Why do they say this? Why do they feel compelled upon each trip to earth to calm their listeners? I imagine it's because the humans they encounter are freaked out! They are scared. They have just seen a supernatural creature that is capable of enforcing God's orders. That's a big moment!
I think angels are some tough customers! The way I see it is, they have three main jobs-worshipping God, delivering messages to silly humans, and fighting in a never ending cosmic battle against demons. I think fighting against demons might toughen one up a bit. I don't see angels as passive, weak, or humble creatures. They are not fairies. They are strong. I have a hunch they have a bit of a mean streak in them too. That's not to say they are hateful or evil in any way, but you have to have a bit of a mean streak if you day in and day out have to battle Satan's army.
My point is this, whatever it is we face, whatever it is we may be experiencing or going through today, be mindful that we have angels on our side. We don't have fairies on our side. We don't have flying babies with harps! We have mighty angels with God as their general. What can't they handle? What can't we face with them on our side? Oh and we have Jesus too. I think we win. No matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, we win. Our army is bigger. Merry Christmas!
