What are Christmas angels? Where do beliefs in Christmas Angels originate?
Angels are often portrayed in the Christmas story about the birth of Christ. Although this idea of angels announcing the birth of Jesus is found in the first two Gospels of the New Testament, beliefs in angels grew stronger mostly over a thousand years after these first accounts of Christmas angels were penned. It was St. Thomas who promoted his doctrines concerning angels, teaching angels to be innumerable, immortal intermediaries who interact between God and mankind.
The accounts of the Christmas angels in the Bible reveal their role as being messengers and are not described as possessing wings or halos. Interestingly, the stories in the Gospels about the birth of the Christ child do not mention the word Christmas, either, though these tales are the basis of the Christmas holiday.
Still, angels were used to deliver news of the birth of the Christ child to others. It was the archangel Gabriel that gave Mary the good news that she would bear a son. Christmas is about the gift of the Christ child, given to mankind by God.
Joseph was also told by angels about the child who was to come, being instructed to not be afraid of having Mary as his wife. He would later receive a dream where an angel would tell him to take his wife and child to Egypt, we read in Matthew.
In Luke, we read of the shepherds being told of the birth of Christ by an angel, as well. In fact, during the announcement it seems that a multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds. The account tells of the shepherds making their way to Bethlehem to see the newborn babe and tell of their Christmas story.
The Bible story of the Magi from the East following a star to Bethlehem has sometimes been interpreted that the wise men followed a guiding angel to see the child. Stars in the Bible often represent angels.
There is another story of Christmas angels that is more legend than Bible story. This tale is about a group of tiny angels who were assigned by God to watch over Joseph and Mary as they made their way to Bethlehem. As the story goes, they were unsuccessful in helping the couple find a room in an inn for the birth of their baby. The tiny angels' solution to the problem was for Mary and Joseph to find shelter in a stable, a Christmas story we all have heard about. It is said that these tiny angels were so excited in their role of helping to bring forth the birth of the child that they sang forth with joy and thanksgiving, their music being heard in the highest of heavens. This legendary story may be why we see Christmas angels playing instruments and singing.
Because angels are so prominent in the announcement of the Christ child, it is no wonder that angels are significant emblems in Christmas stories, decorations and celebrations. Angels to most people symbolize love, peace and joy. Today, Christmas angels can be found everywhere, from appearing on Christmas cards and Christmas ornaments to being seen as figurines or within nativity scenes.
Angels & Ghosts teaches that angels are benevolent spirits who interact with us, often conveying messages. This description would include human spirits from the light who visit us, especially during holiday celebrations, such as Christmas. Have you ever felt a presence of someone with you during Christmas or your birthday? Pay particular attention this year and see if you can sense the presence of love or joy within you and around you. This is the best way to become aware of angels during Christmas time.
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Christmas Angel Pictures