I was exhausted and sore, but also bored, and a Saturday evening with television shows featuring violence was not about to put me in the Christmas spirit. So I went to rent a movie, glad to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Something in me sparked as I drove past the fabric store with all of the Christmas decorations, and before I could convince myself otherwise, I had pulled into the parking lot.

As I walked in, I was surrounded by glitz and multiple miniature Christmas trees with branches heavy with ornaments. Beside me stood a woman and her husband and she was telling him something. Then he raised his voice a bit so that I could overhear the conversation. "But you already have seven angels! Why do you need another one?" he questioned her with desperation in his voice. I smiled at the fact that he actually knew the exact number of angels she had. Was he counting today as he hauled them out of storage? I wondered.

And, as I walked to the next aisle, unable to hear his wife's response, I asked myself, "Can you ever have too many angels?" Just last week, standing in the toy aisle, searching for a Christmas gift for my niece, I asked a little girl about her age, "Can you ever have enough Barbies?" Perhaps we can have enough Barbies (although, not according to the child I asked) but, can we ever have enough angels?

I think not. Whether we feel the presence of the angels that God sends our direction, or not, they are there taking care of us as WE go about our day. In the 80's, I enthusiastically sang along with Amy Grant's Angels Watchin' Over Me because it reminded me that "a reckless car ran out of gas, before it came my way." Every time I pass an accident alongside the road I thank God for his protection.

God has promised that angels will protect us while He prepares our eternal home (Exodus 23:20). Angels have been known to tell us to get some sleep and something solid to eat (1 Kings 19:5). Angels have "shut the mouths of lions" that want to devour us (Daniel 6:22). They've torn off the handcuffs (Acts 12:7) and have given strength where and when it is needed (Luke 22:43).

Despite the cute figurine representations and their ability to glow in the dark, we must be cautious not to worship the angels, because they are merely messengers of God. But will I ever lose the need of receiving messages from my Savoir? Nope! Bring 'em on, I want to holler. I could use a few "handcuffs," things that bind me, to drop away. I could even use an angel that would ask, "Should you really be having that second cup of coffee?"

Images of angels abound throughout Christmas, and the Christmas story is no exception. Perhaps my greatest need right now is an angel like the one who visited Mary and the shepherds and reassured them all, "Do not be afraid." Even during the season of joy, life can be difficult, and we all need a messenger from God sent to us that simply says, "Do not be afraid. The Lord God is with you." I hope God sends you an angel this season with the message that you need to hear. And in case you're wondering-the woman at the fabric store left in front of me with two new angels and a beaming smile.

By Lisa Copen. Reprinted from And He Will Give You Rest, Dec. 2000, Rest Ministries monthly support newsletter, Copyright 2002.