CHRISTMAS STORY: THE ANGEL GABRIEL

 

CHRISTMAS STORY: THE ANGEL GABRIEL There are seven angels who are always allowed to stand before God in heaven. These powerful Archangels are significant beings with an awesome presence about them. The prophet Daniel couldn't even breathe when he met with one of them, and the angel had to give Daniel strength just so he could deliver a message to Daniel. The apostle John had a similar experience. We cannot imagine what it would be like to be in the presence of one of the Archangels. John wanted to worship one of them, but the angel didn't allow it. He told John, "Don't do that! I am only a servant of God, as you are." We know that Gabriel is one of the Archangels, and also the warrior angel Michael. The ancient Book of Enoch is recognized by Christians and Jewish historians for being an authentic prophetic book, even though it’s not included in the Bible. Enoch provides the names of the seven holy archangels: Uriel, who watches over the winds and elements. Raphael, who watches over the spirits of mankind. Raguel, archangel of justice and vengeance; watches over the celestial bodies. Michael, the warrior angel who watches over Israel, and all people whose names are written in the Book of Life. Saraqael, sometimes spelled Sariel; concerned with the fate of angels that violate divine law. Gabriel, serves as a divine messenger for God. He watches over Paradise as well as the Seraphim and Cherubim. Remiel, also known as Jeremiel, whom God set over those who rise; he is in charge of the resurrected souls in heaven. The duties of the archangels are mysterious, and the description which Enoch provides is cryptic. Gabriel is mentioned in the Christmas story several times. He is more than just a messenger boy for God. Gabriel is one of the most significant persons of heaven, and he is announcing the most significant event that has ever happened on earth: the incarnation of God in human form. As you can see by these images, there is a wide variety of artistic interpretation, and it’s unlikely that Gabriel looks like any of them; but it's fun to page through centuries of artistic efforts. The Angel Gabriel is often pictured holding a lily as he talks with Mary. The lily is a traditional representation of her purity.