”The Angle Connection” Advent Devotion for December 19, 2021

The Angel Connection

Written by Claudia Ayers, Music Ministry

Read by Denise Utter

 

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. 

--Proverbs 13:20a

 

When my sister lived in Germany, she gifted us with a number of tiny, wooden German Christmas Tree ornaments. There must be 20 or so.  They are a treasured and perfect fit for the little tree we now enjoy.

Last year, after Christmas, we packed up our decorations, including all the tree ornaments, and tucked the boxes into our storage area.  A few days later, we decided to take down the tree itself.  Sure enough.  I had missed one tiny German ornament, a sweet little angel.   So I found a tiny plastic condiment bowl with a clear lid and placed the angel inside and then into a drawer.   This spot became its home.  “I will put it with the others soon, I thought,” but that just never happened.  Every time I opened that drawer, the little angel looked up at me.  After a while, I began thinking of the real angels that touch our lives every day.

We all think of angels as winged, spiritual beings, residing in heaven and serving God there.  But I prefer to think of them, also, as relatives, friends and members of our church family…those God-sent earthlings, who lead by example and guide us on our spiritual journey.

I am ever thankful for our SPUMC staff and congregation, who through the years have reached out to us with prayers and kindness in varying situations. What a blessing to be surrounded by our kind and caring church family!

I remember, too, so many friends and family of the past, who, by their actions, showed me the kind and Christian way to live my own life…. “Gramma” Howard, our neighbor who taught me, at age 3, how to sing “Jesus Loves Me” and countless other childhood songs, as we rocked side by side on her front porch. How I loved her and our rocking, singing moments together.

My maternal Grandmother, who took me, at age 5 or 6 under her angel wings each summer and smothered me with love beyond measure. She let me help bake cakes with home churned butter, fresh eggs, and cream… all going to those who had family illness or loss.

Our neighbor, Phyllis, who became a mentor.  I don’t think she thought of herself in that way, but how much I learned from her about Christian Character and gentleness!  She was always patient, quietly saving her thoughtful advice about things, for sharing at just the right moment.

And my growing up family, especially my dear, kind, and gentle father, who read his Bible daily and prayed on his knees beside his bed every night. The relationships I had with these wonderful, Angel Christians and so many others along life’s way have inspired and strengthened my relationship with God big time. I’m encouraged to try to live my life better.  Not perfect, but better.

 

Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for placing angels in our paths, as we walk our earthly journey.  We are so grateful for their connections with us, as they strengthen our relationship with you.