Yes, I Really Believe that three: Angels

Christmas is a favorite time of year for many many people, and I believe there is the obvious answer of why. It is because it is the celebration of Christ's birth, and He brings happiness and peace. I love the Christmas story. One of my favorite parts of the story is the angels. They play such a profound part in the story. One told Mary about her being the mother to the son of God, and there were the angels that sing praises and rejoice at Christ's birth as told in Luke 2. There was the angel who told the shepherds that he brings "good tidings of great joy." I always picture Handel's "Messiah" (Listen to Glory to God ) That is how I imagine the heavenly hosts. I just set up my first ever of my own nativity. This one has an angel, and I think it is my favorite piece. It would make sense that there would be an angel, or even several angels, witnessing Jesus' humble beginnings. Also I feel confident that Mary would need some watching over. The idea of angels around me has always been a source of comfort, and many times have lifted me when I am at my lowest. It also makes me happy to know that angels are with us always even if we can't see them or always feel them.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 says, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." This scripture is popular among the LDS people because it has a profound and comforting message. It recently has become very popular with recent events in our last General Conference concerning our dear Prophet, Thomas S. Monson as he struggled to give his message. He looked as if he was going to collapse but didn't. Children later said that he had angels surrounding him. I also recently watched a movie about events that happened in Cokeville, WY, and how the children and everybody in that elementary school were protected from a bomb by angels of past family members. (It's called The Cokeville Miracle. Excellent movie. Powerful message.) I was told the story many times by people who were actually involved in that incident, and I have been always struck by the miracle that nobody was seriously injured or died because the school should have been blown to smithereens.

There are many instances in the scriptures of angels of all kinds, warriors, messengers, agents of comfort and strength, protectors. Besides the angels in the Christmas story, I love the angel that comes to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Because Christ was suffering so much an angel came down to be with him (Luke 22:43). I believe that we can receive that too. Why can't we receive strength and help from angels? I like to imagine the angels I have around me at times. I am positive that I have had guardian angels protecting me and Hubs. I always wonder who my guardian angels are. I believe they are family, friends, or anyone who cares for me. There have been times when I should have been in terrible car accidents. Or Hubs when there should have been damage done to our car, or even an accident, when inadvertently running over roadkill of a deer (or something of the like) that wasn't completely pulled off the road. There was evidence that he ran over it, he felt it, but no damage was done. Huge miracles? Perhaps not, but enough to be significant. Hubs and family members have told me other stories of divine intervention. They are fascinating, amazing and compelling. The stories are also testimony builders of God's plan for us and of His love. This doesn't mean that people will always be accident-less, or not harmed, sometimes God does allow bad things to happen. I do know, however, that God doesn't let you suffer those trials alone, your angels are there too. You never know what might have happened if angels weren't there. This is a comforting thought to me. I also cherish the idea that angels are there at the good times too. Perhaps when a baby is born, or you are performing, giving a talk, doing temple work, anything that is important to you. It's sometimes nice to think you have much more of an audience than you can see. I have heard stories from people close to me of this very thing. How special right? Gives me warm fuzzies.

Now the depiction of angels have generally been portrayed the same way, shiny bright beings with wings and halo, and/or the naked chubby cherubim things. Do I believe they have wings and halos, or are necessarily pudgy? Not really, but they make for a pretty picture. I don't know. I write of this because if an angel was going to reveal itself in any way, it might make sense to manifest itself in a way that the beholder would understand. For example, Joan of Arc, if she really received messages from God, then why not be in a form she would understand? She claimed she saw the Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. I don't know anything about Catholic saints, so I don't really know their significance, but they must be remarkable for someone to willingly follow their direction. Joan of Arc did some amazing things for how young she was, that it would make sense if she had some help from God. I am pretty sure God is smart enough to know what would bring Joan the most comfort, and get her butt moving to the French battlefront.

No matter what you believe, there are some things that just cannot be explained except by divine intervention. I must quickly make mention that sometimes angels are other living people. Your kids, maybe friends, even a stranger can become your angel. Sometimes the "angels round about you, to bear you up." are people. It could be a stranger. We could be someone's angel. There were only two times in my life when I did not want to live anymore, but because of the kindness of two wonderful women, living was made much more bearable. These two friends do not really know how much they helped me. This carries to my next point. Be willing to be someone else's angel. One never knows who's life may be saved.

Angels are amazing, and with the holiday season they are on the mind. Don't let skepticism cloud your spiritual eye. Embrace the message that these angels have to give. Angels are there for us when we need them. They are divine, so let them be near and so will God be also.

"Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for, without being seen, they are present with you." St Francis of Sales (random quote I found on the net.)