Angel means messenger in Greek. They represent innocence, virtue, purity, peace and love. In the bible, angels are God's messengers. The Hebrew bible, or Old Testament, first mentioned that angels had a human body and wings to fly. Nine ranks of angels are mentioned including Archangels and Seraphim and we all have our guardian angels.
In 1100 to 1200 AD Christian doctrine about angels grew with Saint Thomas Aquinas who believed that angels fill the gap between God and mankind; they are countless and immortal. Saint Thomas maintained that angels have perfect knowledge except of things that only God knows or that depend on human choice.
Angels were instrumental in the birth of Jesus so they play an important role in Christmas celebrations and festivities. They were the ones who brought us the news of the birth of the Christ child. The Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear God's son. Another angel informed Joseph that he should marry Mary and look after the baby. There is a legend that a small group of tiny "trainee" angels was appointed by God to watch over Mary and Joseph as they travelled to Bethlehem. They soon realised that they were also to herald the birth and their glorious thanksgiving song reached the heavens and could be heard all over the Earth. A Christmas angel appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem announcing Jesus' birth too.
In 1100 to 1200 AD Christian doctrine about angels grew with Saint Thomas Aquinas who believed that angels fill the gap between God and mankind; they are countless and immortal. Saint Thomas maintained that angels have perfect knowledge except of things that only God knows or that depend on human choice.
Angels were instrumental in the birth of Jesus so they play an important role in Christmas celebrations and festivities. They were the ones who brought us the news of the birth of the Christ child. The Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear God's son. Another angel informed Joseph that he should marry Mary and look after the baby. There is a legend that a small group of tiny "trainee" angels was appointed by God to watch over Mary and Joseph as they travelled to Bethlehem. They soon realised that they were also to herald the birth and their glorious thanksgiving song reached the heavens and could be heard all over the Earth. A Christmas angel appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem announcing Jesus' birth too.