"Do not ask who the messenger is. It is you." ~Joseph T. Nolan

The scriptures of Advent and Christmas are filled with messengers of God, otherwise known as angels. Of course, there is John the Baptist who could be seen as a messenger but when we think of this familiar and beloved story, we almost always think of the angels. Angels are often portrayed as ethereal creatures who flit just outside our vision. There are countless artist's renderings of what angels 'look' like….feathery wings, soft features, calmness all around. 

But most of the angels, otherwise known as messengers of God, I have met do not have wings. Some are down right rough around the edges,even crass. And many have not brought calmness but have instead called me to attention which was probably what I needed most at the moment. Like Gabriel, some have even told me things about myself I have not been too excited to hear. And yet, these angels have encouraged me to see the presence of God in places I might otherwise have missed. These messengers of God have been co-workers, family members, friends and complete strangers heralding some good news that I needed to hear at the moment. 

Have you had an encounter with an angel lately? Has someone helped you see the face of God in the ordinary tasks of your daily life? Have you tried your hand…or wing…at being an angel for another? In this season when we suspend so many rational ideas and instead embrace the Mystery that surrounds us all the time, this might be the perfect time to be awake to the angels that might be flitting in the shadows just outside our vision. When we turn to meet those messengers we might, like Mary, be surprised at what may happen to us. 

In Eugene Peterson's The Message, a contemporary telling of the Bible, Mary says:"God took one good look at me, and look what happened."(Luke 1:48) Indeed, when we are open to the messengers of God, those angels who surround us all the time, we must be ready for surprises. Very big surprises! When we choose to let our own wings show, we have the opportunity to be messengers of God as well. And wouldn't that make for an exciting holiday season, and an even more exciting life?