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Much ado about Christmas angel is
what we should ideally be doing on a chilly wintry afternoon
when the kids are indoors sitting by the fireplace and
munching on Christmas cookies. According to the Christian
fables and folklore, Christmas Angel had played a pivotal
role in the birth of Christ and their real significance
and relevance is intimately associated with this act.The
Greek word "angel" meaning messenger was incorporated
into the Christian faith during the pagan times when
Christianity was still in its nascent stage. As stated
by ancient legends, angels are known to have flocked
the Godchild when he was born in the manger and they
were the ones who related to Mother Mary that she was
bearing the divine child who would bestow peace on Earth
by destroying the Evil.
They are regarded as immortal souls who aid the gods
in heaven in executing and implementing plans that are
meant for the betterment of humanity and some of them
are known to have been entrusted with the duty of safeguarding
each one of us on Earth by posing as our guardian angels
who sail us through in times of hardship and trial.
Their wings stand for virtue, innocence and they epitomize
purity and integrity.
Their popularity is discernable from the number of
carols and hymns that have been dedicated to them ranging
from the "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" which is a staple
carol in all church choirs to many more. Ancient sources
and writings of famous saints like Saint Thomas Aquinas
have thrown much light on the history of angels and
their presumed categorization. There are nine ranks
of angels in Heaven with Seraphim and Cherubim occupying
the top position with others following suit. Saint Michael
or Archangel is the chief angel leading the pack.
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