“Angels, contented with their fame in Heaven seek not the praise of men.” —Paradise Lost, John Milton
Winged spirits converged around the long wooden table contemplating all that still needed to be done before Christmas Day.
Angels were everywhere.
And they were busy. All of the sweet treats needed to be baked amid the clamour and powdered sugar dust, because the angels measured and poured and whisked and smiled. They would be ready.
As Renaissance (1300-1600 AD) artists began showing angels in heavenly light, angels were shown in familiar backgrounds such as the Virgin Mary’s book-filled bedroom or to another’s flower strewn paradise.
By the Baroque period (1580-1750 AD), angels became sensual humans with their wings and bodies painted and sculpted in explicit detail. These winged figures had been shown as heavenly beings in allegories such as Augustus Saint-Gauden’s Charity of 1885. Angels would remain an “eternal element in art.”
And so on this eve of the sacred Christmas, the angels needed to tend to the wrapping of gifts in gold papers and gold ribbons. Parcels were stacked high ready for delivery. Many more needed the touch of the angels to fashion the gifts. Most of the archangels were given to this task including Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael.
Michael, was often clad in armor and bearing an unsheathed sword, was a warrior angel who led the battle against Satan. In the Old Testament Michael was the prince of angels. Gabriel was the bearer of both good and bad tidings. Raphael was lavishly-dressed with princely or ecclesiastical clothes.
Angels are foremost messengers. The word angel derives from the Greek word for messenger. And thus it is that this Christmas they come to us by way of Christmas cards and greetings, from packages delivered by loved ones. They deliver poems written especially for each recipient and treasured love notes.
Music and choral performances were being rehearsed. The organ was tuned as it broke the sepulchral silence with known enchanting melodies. The younger angels were the chorus, sweetly singing. Of Christmas tunes such as) Silent Night and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” This celestial music is heard in the midst of the heavens.
In the Monastery of San Marco in Florence, The Annunciation is depicted on a wall fresco by Fra Angelico. (1400-1455) To think that almost 900 years later, we view this masterpiece of angelic art!
Angels being made of light might have been brought into existence on the first day of creation when God separated light from darkness. All nine categories of angels can be seen in marvelous detail on the interior dome of the Baptistery in Florence.
And so a host of angels have prepared for the miracle of His birth this Christmas Day, 2023. Their steps will be silent as they traverse the dark December night. It is Christmas Eve and they are rejoicing.