Angels are cool

Some people love the classic images of gentle angels: feathery wings, golden halos and lacey robes.

Others thrill at the classic images of St. Michael and God’s warrior angels: mighty wings, bright armor, and long fiery swords.

Still others find wonder and comfort in a less detailed yet more powerful image of angels: unseen creatures of majesty and power who stand by the throne of God and yet also move among us.

Very cool.

But today’s Gospel (John 1:47-51) reminds us of an important truth about angels: as wonderful and powerful as they are, they are not independent actors – just like us, they live and move and do their work in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Angels are cool, but Jesus is LORD – the one whom we (both men and angels) love and serve.