The interaction between God’s angels and human beings has a very long history. Jacob wrestled with an angel before he went to meet Esau, his brother. Jacob insisted on being blessed before he released the angel, and Jacob received a new name: Israel. “Please tell me your name”, Jacob said. But the angel refused. (Genesis 32:29)

Manoah, the father of Samson,was told by an angel that Manoah’s wife would have a son. Manoah asked the angel of the Lord, “What is your name?” He replied, Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.” (Judges 13:17-18)

Daniel overheard the name of an angel in a vision:. . . There before me stood one who looked like a man. I heard a man’s voice. . . calling, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision!” (Daniel 8:15)

Many centuries separate these encounters from the dramatic scene in the Holy of Holies when an angel appeared to Zechariah and gave him the news that Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth , would have a baby boy in her old age. The angel’s response to Zechariah’s initial disbelief was, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God. I have been sent to. . .tell you this good news. (Luke 1:19)

Finally this same Gabriel was sent to a young woman living in Nazareth. She never so much as asked for his name or for any other “credentials.” The simplicity of Mary’s response, and her choice to visit Elizabeth, reveal a whole soul accepting God’s will: I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38)

Perhaps Mary learned late that the angel who visited her was named Gabriel: All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about these things. (Luke 1:65)

Advent is a time to read and think about the Bible. Chasing Gabriel through his unnamed friends to his astounding announcement to Mary made me better appreciate the role of angels in God’s universe. They are the engines God chose to represent Himself to His creation, and to further His plan for humanity. We know the names of only two of them: Michael, and the messenger who announced, “I am Gabriel.”

Love in Him,

Prue