Advent
Through the beautiful scriptures, hymns and special music of Advent we prepare for the coming of Christmas.
The angel on the left is "Joseph's Angel." The words of Matthew 2:13-15 tell us the story. Here is where the beauty and wonder of the Nativity story collide with reality. Once again it is an angel who comes to Joseph in a dream to warn him of the danger facing his family, and it is Joseph's willingness to believe that leads him to pack his belongings and prepare his family for the journey to Egypt.
The center angel, Gabriel, means "hero of God." Although angles are mentioned 350+ times in the Bible, they are rarely given names. However, the special task of announcing the birth of the Savior of the world to Mary is given to Gabriel. Six months earlier Gabriel brought similar suprising news to Zechariah and Elizabeth about the coming birth of their son, John the Baptist. Gabriel was the bearer of good news!
The angel on the right doesn't really have a name. But her message comes to the terrified shepherds to calm them and bring them good news and instructions. When she has finished her message, she is joined by a heavenly chorus of angels who herald the news with a serenade of joyous music. Angels most often appear as messengers or helpers. In the Christmas story in Luke 2:8-15, the angel brings the scruffy, rowdy shepherds--and all people--good news of great joy. Because of an encounter with a host of God's angels, these men were compelled to find the stable and the baby.
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