During Christmas there is a popular family tradition you can find gracing many young households. This tradition is called The Elf on the Shelf. There is an Elf that parents set up in various places around the house during the month of December. The Elf is a symbol of the fact that Santa can’t be everywhere but is watching, and his little helpers will report back and let him know if the kids are being good or bad. Over the past couple of years, the Elf has morphed into a bit more of a mischievous character. The Elf has been known to spill the milk and tip over the dog’s bowl of food. The Elf has even been caught shaving a man’s head while he sleeps.

Much like Santa’s little helper, there is a character in the biblical narrative of the birth of Christ that can be found in each person’s story. But unlike Santa’s little helpers, this character proclaims a story of truth and exudes power. This character isn’t just present because the big guy can’t be everywhere, but this character is present because God loves us so much that he invites each of us to be a part of the story. An angel can be seen journeying for Jesus. There is an angel who brings the news to Zechariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, will have a son whom they are to name John and that he will be the one to prepare the way for Jesus. There is an angel who comes to Mary to tell her she has been chosen to carry Jesus. There is an angel who visits Joseph to tell him to stay with Mary. There is an angel who proclaims the good news to the Shepherds that the Savior was born. Angels have long been a part of the biblical narrative of heaven and of earth. We understand them to be God’s messengers, a part of God’s army, protectors of truth, witnesses to the kingdom of God, and sometimes even our very own guardians. As we ourselves journey to the manger this Christmas season, we will find in the angels good traveling companions. Pay attention to where they show up. Pay attention to the things they have to say. Pay attention to the One whom they are always pointing us to. This advent season, when you come to church, look for the angel who is journeying to Jesus, and discover what truth we are to learn from the birth of Christ.

From one light to another,
Pastor Hannah Loughman