I have been pondering the subject of angels much since we welcomed a new angel into our midst, and we have lost an earthly angel. (Now she is literally an angel!) Well yeah, also it’s Christmastime, and angels are a popular symbol of Christmas due to the visit the shepherds received from Heavenly angels over 2000 years ago when they announced the historic star and joyous birth.
I grew up with a family attitude towards angels with wings. Most of them didn’t like the depictions of angels with wings. We always poo-pooed the winged angels, they weren’t accepted. Now, I’m not saying they didn’t believe in them, just the winged versions weren’t correct. They figured it was not an accurate representation of Heavenly messengers.
As I matured and developed my own belief system, my attitude on this subject has softened. (To each their own, right?)
Angels according to Kim: The reason why angels are depicted with wings is that they are spirits that have been ‘transfigured.’ (That word perfectly describes it. “To transform into something more beautiful or elevated.”) The wings are just what some have envisioned when they behold a glowing aura surround a spirit. (I don’t actually believe that souls hit heaven and sprout wings!) I think somewhere in history someone saw an angel, and the best way they could describe the awesome light they witnessed encircling them was very luminous looking wings. And then, as time went on caricatures of angels always posessed wings.
I don’t mind the wings, they are a symbol of the calming peace of a dove. They give us comfort and assurance. (They’re an extension of the Holy Ghost.) Angels also administer to people in need and share God’s love for each of us. And like the Christmas event, they proclaim glad tiding of great joy or give warnings.
My favorite verse in the Book of Mormon is in Alma, chapter 29. (There are many great passages, but this one is a gem.)
“O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.”
Wow! Don’t we all desire world peace? But what are we doing about it?
I have experienced angels throughout my ordeal. I can’t say I have seen visions of heavenly beings, but I sure sensed them. There are also definitely angels amoung us! God works a majority of His miracles through other humans on this earth. The Holy Ghost makes God’s will known to us.
Have you ever been inspired?
Had a ingenious charitable thought that will be so wonderful just pop into your head? (Personally, I am not that clever. I just listen to my ‘Jiminey Cricket’ as well as I can.)
I absolutely adore the song “Angels Amoung Us” by Alabama. (I can’t keep eyes dry whenever I listen.)
I have witnessed, on a personal level, many large and small selflessly angelic acts. Just recently, I have been efforting to get Christmas gifts for my family and friends. (Thanks Amazon!) I was praying for a miracle to help me complete my list. Not too many days after, a friend (you know who you are) brought me a belated birthday card. I thought, “That was nice,” and after she left, I opened the card. It had the money in it that I needed! I cried. The Lord knows me, loves me, and is mindful of my needs! No one but my Heavenly Father knew what I needed. He made that miracle happen through an in-tune mortal angel. I am positive she was prompted by the Holy Ghost!) I must also note, so many earth angel construction professionals have contributed to my home remodel either through acquiring free or discounted supplies, giving complimentary services, working on their day off, or discounting their work for us. This is their livelihoods, but they have bent over backwards to bring this dream alive. I’ve said it before, but I seriously have a lot to pay forward. I’ve got to work at it for the rest of my life!
I truly believe my Heavenly Father will heal me so I can give and serve as other angels have served me! (It’s gonna be my full-time job!)
KimPressions 