Scripture

Luke 1:26-7

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

Muse

Our Advent series kicks off with an encounter between Mary and a being who belongs to one of the most mysterious, wonderful species in all of the Universe: angels. Musing on this opening verse has launched me into a reflection on angels that helps color our story, yes, but also into a realization of the powers at work in this universe—one that alters my experience of reality.

The Bible is replete with angel sightings; they are present enough to merit serious attention. What, exactly, are they, and what do they do? First off, angels are not plump toddlers who buzz randomly around the universe. Psalm 103 clues us into the truth by describing them as God’s “hosts, his ministers who do his will!” (v. 21). The Hebrew word for “host” has a militaristic connotation—think “troops,” or “titans.” Angels are God’s Herculean soldiers, and the most common human response to an angel, documented in the Bible, is “fear” and mute “terror”—not exactly the “awww” a toddler elicits. Now, these titans have real duties in both the heavenly realm and the earthly realm. In the heavenlies, God has at least 100 million angels in his “court,” both praising and collaborating with him (Daniel 7:10)—that’s 5000 packed-out Madison Square stadiums. On Earth, God sends his hosts as “ministering spirits…to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Angels, though it almost breaks the mind, are commanded to serve and nourish the children of God…that’s you. That’s me. But before we stew on that fact, let’s talk about Gabriel, the angel sent to young Mary. Gabriel means “God is my strength.” Gabriel has a track record of appearing to people who most need strength—perhaps he still does. One Old Testament story witnesses Gabriel assuring a weary believer that he is “treasured by God”—an assurance for humans so necessary, in God’s eyes, to justify an angelic dispatch (Daniel 9).

It follows, then, that God sent his formidable angel of “loving strength” to Mary. But this time, here’s a believer who is not only “treasured by God,” but will bear the ultimate treasure of God: Jesus. Did God need Gabriel as a messenger? No. But how cool is it that both humans and heavenly beings alike are engulfed in the grand narrative of salvation. God could do it all himself… or he could generously involve all of creation in the salvation movement; indeed, “angels long to look into these things (1 Peter 1:12).

Our World

In one of Gabriel’s contacts with humans, he drops this pretty radical qualifier for his authority: “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19). We later hear Jesus say something similar, to “not despise one of these little ones [a childlike believer]. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). To have a seat in front of God’s face… that is the most elite, favored place in the cosmos. Here’s the point: the beings who see God’s face and don’t die, like we would (Exodus 33), are tasked to serve us humans; The most humble, lowly person—should they have faith in God—has angelic warriors operating on their behalf. Remember our lowly, young Mary? With her at heart, God joyfully bids the Titan of “heavenly strengthening” to leave his privileged place before God’s face, and to take care of his (God’s) beloved one on Earth down below. God deployed angels to minister to mankind then, and he still does now. In light of these truths—alone or with your family/friends—consider:

• What do you know about angels? How often do you think about angels? How might you live differently or perceive reality differently if you gave credence to angels' existence, purpose in relation to mankind, and present activity?
  

• Imagine the heavenly climate when God finally gave the order for Gabriel to unfold the news of salvation to Mary. What do you see? What do you feel?
  

• 1 Corinthians 6:3 talks about redeemed humanity exercising authority over the magnificent servant warriors of God in the age to come. How does this truth encourage/challenge/astound you?
  

Prayer

Father, I am humbled by the almost unbearable importance you place on me. I cannot believe that your angels, those who actually see your face, live to serve and nourish us children here below. I am thrilled by the love story between you and me—especially that you would include every type of created being in its unfolding. Especially in this holiday season, I will hold on to your promise that angelic helpers are on my team, even now, as I follow you in wonder and smallness. I cannot wait to join you all in the age to come. For now, thank you for attending to me so well and for giving me someone who far outstrips the angels: your own son, my savior and friend, Jesus Christ.

Amen.