The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
For many people, their understanding of angels, or their “angelology” springs from the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It is one of my favorite movies, and the last scene never fails to make me cry. In many ways, it is an excellent Christmas movie. Good triumphs over evil. George Bailey, who is financially poor, but who has loved his neighbors so deeply, realizes how truly rich and blessed he is with friendship.
As much as I appreciate the movie, I recognize that its “angelology” is not very accurate from a Christian perspective. Scripture is clear that people do not become angels when they die. Angels are a completely different type of God’s creation, separate from human beings. The Bible does not provide many details about angels, but the story of Gabriel coming to Mary to announce her miraculous pregnancy reminds us of the mysterious and wondrous ways that God uses angels to bring about his will in the world.
Each Sunday before we sing the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), we are reminded that we are joining with the “angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven” in worship. When I say the daily office by myself, or participate in a small church service, I love knowing that I am worshiping not only with the communion of saints, living and departed, but with angels as well.
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