Month: December 2013

When we decorate for Christmas, we are likely to use an angel or two somewhere in our homes. Many of us top our trees with them. Artists and retailers have made angels to be beautiful and delicate. We think of them as comforting guardians who watch over us.

The Nativity Story gives us a different picture of angels. When Gabriel appears to Mary, he tells her, “Do not be afraid.” When an angel of the Lord visits the shepherds, the scripture says they were terrified. “But the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid, he said. I bring you news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 It goes on to say that the angel was joined by a vast host of others, the armies of heaven.

Armies aren’t typically made of sweet, gentle beings. They are usually filled with warriors, ready to do battle. In the Elisha story in 2 Kings, Elisha’s servant kept asking him where their army was because they were alone. Elisha told him they had more on their side than the Arameans did. The servant was scratching his head, for he saw no one. Elisha prayed that God would open the young man’s eyes. God did and the young man could see the hillside was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:11-16 Elisha knew they were there. He didn’t need to see them.

Of course, there are also stories of angels who comfort. God sent an angel to make Elijah wake up and eat, twice. An angel appeared from heaven and strengthened Jesus in the garden before the crucifixion. Luke 22:43

Angels are mentioned at least 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 in the New Testament. We rarely get a physical description of them, but they are usually doing something to assist God’s people who are doing God’s work, like breaking people out of jail who were locked up for spreading the Good News.

I think they look like whatever God wants them to look like at the time, or maybe what we need them to look like so we can understand God’s message for us. You wouldn’t want that delicate tree topper to defend you in a fierce battle. But, you also might not be comforted by a ten foot warrior on a fiery chariot. Humanity has always had a need to try to tame God.

We desperately want to put Him in a box and wrap it up with a neat little bow. The Bible tells us the nature of God is just not like that. He has a plan, but His plan is quite unpredictable and often messy and scary. Sometimes, He may send angels to help us along in whatever ways He sees fit. We just need to be open to that and try not to figure out the specifics.

Isn’t that what faith is all about? If we do the best we can to follow His plan, we should be covered. The Bible says, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.” Hebrews 13:2

So, the takeaway on angels? Do not be afraid! God has your back.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂

Like many people, we put our Christmas tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. That just seems to be the “right time” to decorate for Christmas. I just love meeting people on the road with a Christmas tree strapped onto their roof. I got behind several on the road over the past few days.Those trees always make me smile.

Now, I will be the first one to grumble when retailers decide to put their Christmas decorations up before I have finished eating my kids leftover Halloween candy, but the first time I enter a store after Thanksgiving and Christmas music is playing, well, that just warms my heart. I think that’s the time when I’m ready.

Yesterday, we celebrated the first Sunday in Advent at church and we sang the old hymn, Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.  What is Advent anyway? Advent is the time that we are supposed to prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of Jesus. It’s a joyous time for us to remember what Christmas is really about.

The four weeks in Advent are for us to contemplate the enormity of God’s love for us. Emmanuel means, “God is with us.”  That’s a perfect short definition for Jesus. I am trying to intentionally, watch for God this Advent season and I would love it if you would like to join me.

My family went to Wal-Mart and Target the day after Black Friday and we were pleasantly surprised at all of the Christmas cheer we found. Both places were very busy, but everyone was so nice. There were a lot of “excuse me’s” and apologies for aisles being blocked. Almost everyone was smiling. Maybe all of the craziness happened the day before or maybe if you look for the good, you can find it. My daughter commented on the good cheer as well.

Yes, I’m going to buy gifts for my family to put under my tree, but I’m keeping my eyes open for ways to serve as well. It can be something as small as donating a gift for Toys for Tots or packing a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. There are so many ways that we can share the love of Christ during this beautiful season. We can invite someone to church or to a Christmas service.

The point is not to get too terribly caught up in all of the commercialism and to remember the beautiful gift that all of mankind was given some 2000 plus years ago. Let’s don’t just remember it on the Sundays in Advent. Let’s remember it everyday over the next twenty-four days. Remind your kids what we are really celebrating. Remind yourself.  Santa and Frosty are fun, but Jesus is awesome and Jesus is forever.

I’m going to try to start each day during Advent with a prayer of thanks for that baby born in Bethlehem and then I’m going to watch for God’s hand in the world around me. He’s always here, but this time of year, He just seems closer. “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel.” I hope you will join me. Feel free to share any of your Advent God Sightings.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂