Perhaps this season finds your home illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lights, wrapped in the warmth of a fireplace, brightened by a Christmas tree decorated to perfection with ornaments that recall cherished memories from throughout the years. And perhaps, for some, on the top of the tree sits an angel, perched serenely in adoration, or jubilant in song, looking out over the room with a reverence and joy that befits the coming of Christ.
At and around the Nativity, angels abound. The Gospel today tells us twice that “the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph”. We immediately hear echoes of Christmas night when angels of the Lord come to proclaim tidings of great joy: the Savior is born!
Angels are God’s messengers, sent to communicate a word from the heart of God, a word that guides, instructs, makes clear the way to walk with the Lord. In this passage, the angel of the Lord helps Joseph keep Mary and Jesus safe; the angel directs the Holy Family where to go to escape the wrath of Herod and then guides them safely back to Nazareth years later. Each time we learn that the angels’ instruction is ordered to fulfillment of “what had been spoken through the prophets”.
Scripture today offers an invitation to reflect on where and how has the Lord guided, instructed, illuminated my own path of faith this year? Where have I noticed the presence of angels – perhaps even some unawares – sent to communicate God’s love and protection in my own life?
May the angels, like they did for the Holy Family, watch over and protect every family. May they remind us to rejoice exceedingly in the gift of the Christ Child who has come to dwell among us. And may they help us to listen attentively and respond trustingly to Emmanuel, God-with-us, so that the Father’s will may be fulfilled in our homes, too.
Dr. Bridgid Smith, Adjunct Faculty -Theology.
