Are Angels Real?

As Christmas approaches and angels start appearing on the tops of Christmas trees and in front lawns, the idea that angels guard us and the mystery surrounding their powers entice people to want to know more about them. Unfortunately, the world's interpretation can cause misconceptions about who angels really are and what they can do.

As Christian homeschool parents, we need to give our children a better understanding of these divine beings that God created a little higher than man (Psalm 8:3-5). Based on the Word of God, the 5th Grade Bible curriculum for Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, and LIFEPAC teaches the following in-depth information on angels:

• Angels are messengers sent by God, and He commands them, not us. The word "angel" means messenger, and they have a ministry for the Lord as His helpers.


• God forbids us to pray or worship angels because we are not to worship any created being (Exodus 20:3).

• Angels are real and normally invisible; however, they have appeared in human form when ministering to man.

• Angels are spirits and do not have bodies like humans who are subject to sickness, fatigue, and death (Hebrews 1:7,14).

• Angels are personal. They have intelligence (Psalm 103:20-21), wills (Psalm 148:2), and emotions (Luke 15:10).

• Angels are supernatural. They can do the same things as man, but much more (2 Kings 19:35, Daniel 6:22, Matthew 28:2).

• Angels have rank and importance in duties. Michael is one example. He was an archangel, meaning chief angel (Jude 9).

• The number of angels is uncountable (Revelation 5:11).

• There are only two angels mentioned by name in the Bible. Michael was the protector of Israel, and Gabriel appeared to Daniel, Zacharias, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

• There are also evil angels, cast out of heaven with Satan, who fight against God's plans and His people. Today, we call them evil spirits or demons, and Christians battle against them daily in spiritual warfare (Revelation 12:4).

• Some day, man will judge the deeds of angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).

• God uses angels to give messages, as well as protect, guide, and care for His people (Hebrews 1:14).

In addition to giving your children a clearer understanding, this information can also be used as an effective witnessing tool for others who reject the Christ of Christmas, but believe in angels and their powers. The Bible says that these people have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worship the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). Using their curiosity about angels, your homeschooling family has the unique opportunity during this season to lead them to a saving knowledge of the One who made every angel, Jesus Christ. What a great way to make God's angels rejoice in heaven this Christmas (Luke 15:10)!