Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

DAILY READING

Psalm 89:1-4

Hebrews 1:5-14

FIELD NOTES

During the Christmas season, angels are everywhere. We see their gilded images printed on Christmas cards, fashioned in twinkling lights on roofs and treetops, appliquéd on tree ornaments and Christmas stockings. We hear the lilting refrain of “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” We remember the angels who told the shepherds of Jesus’ birth and announced “good news of great joy for all the people” and “on earth peace among those whom God favors” (Luke 2:10, 14). It’s hard to imagine Christmas without these heavenly messengers, often portrayed as men and women in flowing white gowns and feathery wings.

Our reading for today gives us another picture of angels. They are described as “winds” and “flames of fire,” and they are said to be “spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” Like the angels present at Jesus’ birth, the angels of Hebrews are spirits who serve God and deliver his message of judgment and salvation to a world in need of truth.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• When you think of angels, what images come to mind?
• Verse 14 says that angels are “sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” What do you think that means?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What do you think angels do to serve God?

PRAYER GUIDE

Heavenly Father, help us to serve you as faithfully and completely as your angelic servants do. Open our eyes to ways we can be an “angel” for someone with whom we cross paths.