Halowebs

Angels on Earth

On this page we explore the rich history of angels, including some myths and legends. You'll also meet the popular and famous angels, although you probably know most of them already!

Ever since the Biblical book of Genesis, angels have appeared to people in the shape of humans, usually very beautiful humans who are sometimes not immediately recognized as angels. Some fly, some are invisible, some appear as pure light or even fire. Non-biblical sources speak of angels wearing robes.

Wings and Halos

Some people describe angels as "superhuman," but this might be misleading. Although they can do things that are beyond human abilities, angels are not human and not "superior" to humans. Jesus spoke of angels having limitations, for example, they can't get married. People also think of angels as having wings, but wings aren't specifically mentioned for angels in either Hebrew or Christian texts. Wings are mentioned for cherubs and seraphs, which are considered to be in the hierarchy of angels, sort of quasi-angels.

Angels are part of the "heavenly host." That's a Sunday-school term, but it describes it well. I could say that they're "non-human beings that surround and serve God," but it's a lot easier to just say heavenly host.

Like wings, the concept of a physical halo is also a misinterpretation of reality. There's a humorous expression that when some people get to heaven, they'll receive a "rusty halo" because that's all they deserve. It's a funny thought -- and I'm sure you know some who deserve it! But there is no evidence for halos made of gold or metal of any kind; halos are a kind of glowing light or even fire that radiates from angels.
Nobody knows for sure why angels have Halos. I believe it is because they spend so much time in Heaven that they simply radiate light in a world that is darkened by despair.

Angels in Fiction

From works like John Milton's Paradise Lost to John Travolta's Michael, books, movies, and television shows have had a profound influence on our beliefs about angels.
Unfortunately, most of it is wrong.
Movies like City of Angels (I always cry when I watch it) and TV shows like Saved By Grace (I absolutely LOVE that show -- Holly Hunter is just terrific!) present an entertaining look at Angels. But very little of what they show is based on Biblical truth.

Do angels intercede and help us? Absolutely yes, I believe that. But the evidence throughout history indicates that they work expressly at God's bidding -- not smoking, drinking, and generally behaving however they want. Those shows and movies are great fun, but we must recognize that they are fiction.

Guardian Angels, Witches, and Angelic Circles

Is an individual angel "assigned" to be your guardian? This question has perplexed Biblical scholars for centuries. Jesus implies that an angel in heaven watches over each child, but in the context that he said it, the exact meaning about angels is unclear; the point of his message was that we are to care about and love every child.
There really is no conclusive evidence either way. But the fact is, it doesn't really matter whether or not we have a "guardian angel."
Most important: remember that we have an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God -- so what does it really matter if there is an angel assigned to us? God is gracious and heaven is not far from us. If an angel is required to help -- guardian or otherwise -- you can bet your boots that one will be there when it's supposed to be!

Some modern-day mystics say that angels and witches can work together to heal the mind, the body and the spirit, overcome problems and enhance any life. Sounds nice, but God's word repeatedly states that he abhors witchcraft. Now I'm not one of those people who thinks that Harry Potter books will drive children to become evil, but we know for a fact that God does not use witches to help us do his will or grow in faith.
Perhaps there is some power in witchcraft. Either way, it isn't the power of God. If a witch is working with angels, they aren't angels doing God's work. You should avoid this sort of stuff at all costs.

Angels have become popular these days, and it's become popular to call on angels for favors. People are trying to cast angelic circles, call angelic quarters, and get in touch with their guardian angels.
Imagine if a neighbor came into your home and tried to get your children to do things without your permission. Your children may realize it's wrong, but then again they may do some of things they're asked because they know the neighbor. Either way, you'd be quite upset! I believe that's exactly how God feels when we try to work around his authority.
Scripture is clear that angels have power and knowledge, but are created beings and nothing by comparison to God. So they are not to be worshipped or prayed to...put your trust in God, not angels.

Angel Figures

Knowing that we are to worship God and not angels, you might wonder why I put an angel on top of my Christmas tree, or why I have angel figurines around my home.
The key is in what the angel figures mean to you. They should not represent God to you, they should not be worshipped, prayed to, or anything like that. If they are simply a representation of heavenly beings who do God's bidding, that's fine! Better yet, they should remind us that we are to try and do God's work here on earth, and that we should thank God for all of our blessings!

To meet some famous angels -- both real and imagined -- please click here.