"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Hebrews 1:6-8

 December 8

​"And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, 'Let all God’s angels worship him.' In speaking of the angels he says, 'He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.' But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.'" -Hebrews 1:6-8 (NIV)

​Have you ever encountered an angel? Angels appear most frequently and conspicuously in the Bible in connection with the Advent of our Lord before the birth of Jesus. The first appearance was to Zechariah the priest, then to the Virgin Mary who sought refuge with her Aunt Elizabeth, wife of Zechariah. Then angels appeared to Joseph several times, and eventually to Shepherds in the field nearby where Jesus was finally born in Bethlehem. Angels accompanied Jesus throughout his life, death, and resurrection. But, what are angels really? The Bible tells us they come in different forms but always as God's messengers bringing guidance, direction, and advance warning of either disasters or the next move of God. Sometimes they appeared as blinding light. Other times as human beings. Their disguise varies. Some are archangels or seraphim, and others cherubim. They were called by different names in different languages: angelus in Latin and malak in Hebrew. Yet the chosen people of God have always been dependent on angels for protection, assistance, and guidance. Advent provides a wonderful opportunity to help us realize that:

​1. The reality of Angels furnishes us safeguards against narrowness of thought as to the extent and variety of the miraculous creations and creatures of God.

2. Angels help us acquire a comprehensive conception of Christ, who is above the angels, and the object of angelic worship.

3. Angels offer a vivid witness to the yet unseen world of a personal heaven.

4. Angels set before us wonderful examples of living in joyous and perfect fulfillment of God’s will with power and purpose.

5. Angels broaden our view of the protection. and Grace of God.

Psalms reveals that YOU are created only “a little lower than the angels.”(8:5) Angels remind us this December of our great power and importance as humans and your vital mission as a Christian.

​Prayer: Lord, Surround me with your angels every day. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: Angels reveal the power of God's will.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)