Advent Meditation
December 4, 2009

Day 6 – Angels from the Realms of Glory
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-24: Luke 1:26-38

There is an air of mystery surrounding angels in the Bible. Who exactly are they? What do they do? Why are some given a name and others are nameless beings in groups? Do the popular images marketed today portray an adequate likeness?

The Hebrew word for “angel” means messenger and a search of Biblical references to angels reveals them as “divine messengers.” They were sent by God; they delivered God’s message, sometimes speaking in first person; they prepared the way for God’s people; they made proclamations and announcements. Today’s hymn tells of angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus o’er all the earth. They sang to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth; they prompted the sages (to) leave their contemplations and seek the great Desire of nations; they invite us, one and all to come and worship.

Words to ponder: In Matthew we read of the angel’s message to Joseph and in Luke, the angel’s message to Mary. Is there any doubt that they are indeed “divine messengers?” Their message to us is come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King.