An Advent Devotion for  December 7                               Read Matthew 18:1-7, 10

“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven” Matthew 18:10

Jesus tells us that every child has an angel in heaven whose face is turned to God. Angels show up all over the birth narratives about Jesus. They make announcements of impending births to parents of coming children. They stop an upset fiancee Joseph from ending his promise and relationship with Mary. They warn of danger to the Holy Family. They share the joy of Jesus’ birth with shepherds doing night duty.

Most of us would not make claim to having heard the voice of an angel. One of those mysterious messengers of God, who bring “good news.” Angels are charged with bringing the word of God. We make no claim to having heard angels, yet we are mindful of those messengers who have come to us in our need. Those moments the word of God was spoken to us and we had heard “Good news.”

“She’s going to be alright.”
“The tumor is benign.”
“Your children are safe.”
“He pulled through the surgery.”
“We got to him in time.”
“I’ll be here to see you through this difficult time.”
“You’ve got the job.”
“I’ll be home for Christmas.”
“ No one was injured.”
“I just wanted you to know that I’ve been thinking of you.”

At the sound of those words – we have heard angel’s singing. Our hearts have lifted. We have heard “good news.”

The old African American Spiritual reminds us of the words of Jesus.

“All night, all day,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All night, all day,
Angels watching over me”

Prayer: God, thank you for the angels you’ve put in our path, who encouraged us and loved us and whose voices have lifted our spirits. Thank you for the grace of these angels among us, you have blessed us with. May we open our hearts and spirits to love as they have loved us. Amen.

Additional Advent & Christmastide Devotions can be found at:   Advent & Christmastide Devotions