Understanding the Role of Angels at Christmas

Angels are probably one of the most common symbols of Christmas and Christianity. Although they played an important role in the story of Jesus’ birth, they have significance beyond that. In fact, part of the Catholic Church is devoted to studying the roles of angels in religious life and their research can shed light on the role these “messengers” of Gods play in mortal lives.

The Rankings of Angels

In the 5th century, Pope Gregory (also known as Gregory the Great) started a belief in Catholicism about a hierarchy of angels in Heaven. The hierarchy divides angels into distinct classes and assigns them certain types of jobs based on their rankings. To develop this hierarchy, the Church looked for examples in the Bible. However, some of the rankings are considered controversial in other parts of religion.

The nine rankings from lowest to highest are as follows:

• Angels
• Virtues
• Powers
• Principalities
• Dominations
• Thrones
• Cherubim
• Seraphim
• Archangels

The most well-known angels from the Bibles are the archangels Michael and Gabriel. Seraphim are mentioned in Revelation and are described as being close to God at all times. Two Cherubs are placed by God to guard the gates after the Fall of Adam.

In the Jewish Talmud, another angel is mentioned in several places. This angel is referred to the Metatron and is sometimes described as God’s scribe. He is the only being in Heaven who is allowed to sit in Heaven besides God.

The Number and Purpose of the Angels

The number of angels that exist according to religious teachings is too high to count. They are usually referred to as a “host” meaning a large group. In several places in the Bible, the number of angels is said to be “prodigious.” In Revelations, the number of angels is listed as being in the tens of thousands.

Angels are believed to work as God’s messengers on Earth. In fact, the term “angel” means “messenger.” They are also supposed to enforce the laws of God on Earth and to provide a connection between mortals and the divine. Of course, not all angels were “good.” One type of angel described is the “avenging angel” who is responsible for the death of thousands of humans. And Satan was once an angel before his vanity caused him to be thrown out of heaven permanently.

Regardless of how many angels exist and what purpose they serve, they are definitely an important part of Christmas. One way to celebrate them is by incorporating them into your holiday cards either with a Christmas card such as the Madonna and Angels or with the Heavenly Angels envelopes. Either way, your recipients will be touched by your reminder of what the holiday is really all about.