The angels play a marvelous role in God’s creation. Countless in number and name, their individuality is more unique than our own DNA. Though categorized into three hierarchies and nine choirs with specific roles, each of them possesses a distinct individual role in Salvation History—just as we humans do.
Whatever they do, the task plays a part in God’s grand design, which is to bring everything He created into union with Himself. Scripture is full of these stories—especially during the Christmas season.
What should not be overlooked about these appearances is that the human witness is either already in the midst of hardship or about to face a major difficulty. The Psalms tell us that God is near to the brokenhearted. And the hardships of this world create broken hearts of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. The appearances of the angels during the Christmas season are great evidence that no matter what we are going through, God sees us and is sending us heavenly aid.
For Those in Painful Waiting
The Christmas narrative begins with the story of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth who have been dealing with the difficulty of infertility for their entire marriage (see Luke 1:1-25). How their hearts must have understood the deep pains of an unfulfilled longing!
Perhaps that is why Zechariah is in disbelief when Gabriel announces that Elizabeth will bear a son—perhaps his heart is so wounded, it is being guarded from any semblance of hope. As the story goes, Zechariah’s ability to speak is taken away from him temporarily until his son John is born and named. This is not purely punitive in nature; it is an opportunity for Zechariah to turn to God in the silence and be renewed.
From Gabriel’s appearance to Zechariah, we can glimpse this truth: God is mighty and can do the impossible. It is why he sent Gabriel, whose name means “mighty man of God,” to bring this unbelievable news.
God can do the impossible for you, too, and His timing is intentional.
For those among us living through a prolonged period of disbelief and waiting—may the intercession of Saints Gabriel, Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist bring us hope!
For Those Facing the Unexpected
Gabriel, the "mighty man of God," next appears to Mary with the news of the Incarnation, Mary gives her fiat, and God becomes Man (see Luke 1:26-38).
It is one of the most glorious moments in the history of humanity—yet it was also unexpected by Mary. The important questions are answered; Mary knows that through God all things are possible and she will be taken care of. However, she has yet to be given an indication of “how” it all will work.
How will Joseph receive the news? How will the community perceive the pregnancy? How will she raise the Son of God?
Mary is being asked to take the next step in great faith—and she does. She was already full of grace, but she was also sent strength from God to do this. In fact, any time Gabriel appears in Scripture, he brings with God’s message the strength to carry out God’s will.
From Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, we glimpse this truth: God asks great things of us, only lighting the way one step at a time so that we remember to rely on Him.
For those among us living in the midst of the unexpected, may the intercession of Saint Gabriel and our Blessed Mother Mary increase our trust!
For Those Who Have to Make Major Decisions
In his book Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father (p. 142-143), Father Don Calloway explains three theories that Catholics can hold as to why Joseph decided to divorce Mary upon hearing the news of her pregnancy (see Matthew 1:18-25).
The Suspicion Theory: Joseph suspects Mary of adultery. According to Jewish Law, an adulterous woman should be stoned. Joseph does not want that. This stance is supported by apocryphal literature and some Early Church Fathers.
The Stupefaction Theory: Joseph does not doubt Mary’s innocence, but he is perplexed by her pregnancy and unsure of what to do, so he decides to divorce her. This is the most common theory.
The Reverence Theory: Joseph does not doubt Mary’s innocence, but doubts his own worth and role to play in caring for her and the Child. As a just man, he knows Mary belongs to God and does not think he should be living with her. He decides on separation out of reverence to God and to Mary. This theory is held by Early Church Fathers, medieval Saints, theologians, and mystics, and is becoming more accepted within the Church as our understanding of Joseph and his role continues to develop.
Father Calloway explains that, in order to keep Joseph from making the wrong decision—and also to make his own role in the great Theophany clear—an angel appears to Joseph and clarifies the entire situation, instructing him to take Mary into his home. Joseph obeys with haste and without question.
From the angel’s appearance to Joseph, we glimpse this truth: God honors our decisions and will guide us if we make the wrong one.
For those among us living in the midst of decision-making, may the intercession of the angels and Saint Joseph give us wisdom, courage, and peace, and lead us to right action.
For Those Who Don’t Belong
When the God of the universe was born a man, the very first people to know are society’s outcasts—the shepherds. Keeping watch over their flocks by night, God sends them a three-fold gift of receiving the peace that only He can give, of seeing a multitude of angels singing His praises, and—best of all— of laying their eyes on the Promised Messiah (see Luke 2:15-20).
From the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, we glimpse this truth: God fills the hearts of those who have been cast to the side by friends, family, or society.
For those among us living with the feeling of not belonging, may the intercession of the angels and the shepherds remind us that we belong to God and He wants to shower us with His peace and presence.
For Those Facing Danger
When the Holy Family was in mortal danger due to Herod’s wrath, God intervened with a heavenly message delivered through an angel to Joseph. Urged to flee to Egypt, Joseph obeyed without hesitation, protecting his family from harm. In this moment of peril, the angel’s guidance becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating God’s providence even in the darkest times (see Matthew 2:13-15).
From the urgency of their flight, we glimpse this truth: God cares deeply for those who are threatened and vulnerable. He sees our struggles and provides refuge to those in need.
For those among us who feel surrounded by danger, may we draw strength from the example of Joseph, trusting in God’s protective embrace and His call to safety. In every trial, let us remember that God walks with us, guiding us toward peace and deliverance.
Faithful Always
The entirety of the Christmas narrative is a testament to God’s faithfulness. He showed up for every person in every circumstance, while simultaneously fulfilling His promises from ages past.
Whatever difficulty you are facing in life, God sees it and is near to you. While we finish these last days of Advent waiting for the coming of Christ, may the angels surround us and bring us the words, strength, and peace we need to make it through this season. Most especially, may they assist us in welcoming Christ ever more fully into our own hearts, as He is Peace Himself.
Grace is a regular contributor to the BIS Blog. She had planned to be a nurse until an encounter with Christ in Confession ignited a spark that resulted in an ongoing career as a high school Theology teacher. Though a cradle Catholic, she continues to be amazed at the depth of peace and joy that can be found within the Faith and can’t help but share that passion with others as a teacher, writer, and speaker. Outside of ministry, she dabbles in a bit of everything, excels in almost nothing, and like most moms, cannot survive without at least one cup of coffee a day. Grace resides in Charleston, SC with her hunky husband and their daughter who looks just like him. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Grace's posts here.
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