Angels are so much more than chubby cherubs on greeting cards. They are powerful, joyful and ecstatic spirits who know, love and serve God with their whole being. The English word "angel" is derived from the Greek "angelos" (messenger). As with the Archangel Gabriel, angels are considered ambassadors, fittingly endowed with dignity, graciousness, knowledge, and discretion. Angels are also protectors: (Judith 14:20; strengtheners: (Luke 22:43); Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 14:32-38); Peter's escape from prison (Acts 12:3-18); God's messengers: to Gideon (Judges 6:19-23); to Joseph (Matthew 2:13); and to Paul (Acts 27:22-25) are all examples of this. In the Book of Genesis we read how the angels rescued two boys who were in great danger: Ishmael (Genesis 21:10-19) and Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18). God has promised to "send my angels around you, to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91, 11) Because angels are spirits, we humans rarely see them. But now and then, when it suits God's purpose, angels take on a human form, either as ordinary-looking people, or the beautiful beings that we've traditionally seen in paintings, or described in literature. At those times, they bring warnings, offer compassion and sometimes just help us to more deeply appreciate God's love for us.
If we are to believe the testimony of the Scriptures and of the many saints through the centuries, we must admit that the angels are very busy creatures. Of course, their most important reason for being is the contemplation and praise of God; they are experts at it. This constitutes the happiness they enjoy, with which nothing can interfere throughout eternity.
Joan Wester Anderson, Author of the New York Times bestseller, WHERE ANGELS WALK www.joanwanderson.com