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But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news. It will bring great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10 The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. Matthew 28:5 The Bible is full of passages where God sends an angel to deliver an important message to people. Not just the important people, like kings and prophets, but also the ordinary people, like shepherds and Mary Magdalene. While the Bible doesn’t give much of a physical description of angels other than having wings, it does make clear that angels know how to make an entrance. Their dazzling and sudden appearance is so startling that their usual opening line is, “Don’t be afraid!” Wouldn’t it be fun if pastors started every sermon that way? “Don’t be afraid; I have a message for you from God!” All four gospels make it clear that Jesus intended his followers to take on that same messenger role. As his disciples, we are repeatedly told to go out into the world and spread the good news to everyone. In other words, be an angel to someone through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Not just one time, but as often as you can for your whole life. When this task seems hard, or you need a little inspiration, step into our Columbarium and stand in front of the new angel mural. Take a picture with those wings behind you and the halo above you as a reminder that you are called to be a messenger of Christ. God equips his people for this task in many ways, just as he did the angels of the Bible. Be dazzling, be startling, but don’t be too scary! High school student Rylee Seely painted the angel mural background. Thank you for your service, Rylee! -Christina Landenberger, Director of Family Ministries