Today I brought in a truly spectacular set of angel wings for the children to see. They are large, golden wings that glow when the lights hit them the right way. Typically they live in my supply closet until once a year they are worn by the angel Gabriel in the family Christmas Eve service here at St. Mark's. Gabriel is a coveted role in our Christmas Eve tableau, and I think it is in large part because of those wings.
Advent is a season of angels. An angel appears to Zechariah in the temple to tell him his wife Elizabeth is going to have a son. Gabriel appears to Mary to tell her she has been chosen to have a son. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream to tell him to go ahead and marry Mary, even though she is with child. And a multitude of angels appear to the shepherds to announce Christ's birth. We don't know what any of these angels look like, but we do know their appearance must have been awe-inspiring and even frightening, for in most cases the first words spoken by them are "Be not afraid."
While each time the angels appeared their message was different, the command to be not afraid stays the same. It is a message I hope we take to heart. Be not afraid of uncertain finances, of illness, of change, of death. Be not afraid for God is with us, surrounding us with love, carrying us on our journey.
Advent is a season of angels. An angel appears to Zechariah in the temple to tell him his wife Elizabeth is going to have a son. Gabriel appears to Mary to tell her she has been chosen to have a son. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream to tell him to go ahead and marry Mary, even though she is with child. And a multitude of angels appear to the shepherds to announce Christ's birth. We don't know what any of these angels look like, but we do know their appearance must have been awe-inspiring and even frightening, for in most cases the first words spoken by them are "Be not afraid."
While each time the angels appeared their message was different, the command to be not afraid stays the same. It is a message I hope we take to heart. Be not afraid of uncertain finances, of illness, of change, of death. Be not afraid for God is with us, surrounding us with love, carrying us on our journey.
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