Angels Unaware

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

There are angels all throughout the Christmas story. An angel appeared to Mary, to Joseph, to Zechariah. The heavenly host appeared to the shepherds in the fields. There's so many angels that they've even become a huge part of our Christmas traditions today. We put angels on our Christmas trees, half of our Christmas songs are about angels and no nativity set is truly complete without an angel perched above watching over those gathered at the manger.

But it's more then that. Around Christmas time we often see 'human angels'. Those people who invest in other's lives in a way that somehow stands out to us a lot more during this time of the year. There's the obvious but adorable children who dress up as angels and shepherds in church Christmas plays worldwide. They may be obvious but they still play an important role in spreading the good news of the meaning of the season. There's also the bell ringers from Salvation Army, standing out in the cold to raise money for the poor, always with a smile on their faces. And the random people who do something kind for someone else. Things like taking that cart for the mom in the parking lot, it may seem simple to them but to that stressed out mom with the tired kids who need a nap, not having to drag them over to the cart return and back means a lot.

There's more angels out there though. The Bible doesn't tell us 'this is when you'll meet an angel, this is what they'll look like and here's how you should respond'. It does say that you might meet one and not even realize. So what does that look like? Well, I honestly don't know. Have I ever met a real heavenly angel before? Probably. Can I say when, no.

What I can say is that the word 'angel' in the Bible just means 'messenger' and I've met lots of wonderful people who have become angels by being a messenger that God is still in control, that He loves me and that He's still active in the world through every day people like you and me.

I don't know if you'll meet an angel this Christmas weekend but I do know you can be one. As you go throughout this weekend/Christmas week remember to smile, share God's love and reach out to those around you. Be a messenger of the good news of the real reason we celebrate Christmas so you can be angel to someone today.

Merry Christmas friends!