Thursday, December 24, 2009
Gabriel
And the angel said to her, Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold! You shall conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.- Luke 1:26–37
She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then we sent to her our Ruh [angel Jibrael (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (God) from you, if you do fear God." (The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: 'That is easy for me (God): And (we wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from us (God), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by God).' "-
Quran 19:17
No one knows how many angels there are but according to scripture, God made them all, individually, before creating the universe. They are neither male nor female, do not reproduce and do not die, but may fall from from grace as 1/3 of them did after Satan fell. They know more than mortals but are not all-knowing.
The angel that often appears in Nativity scenes is Gabriel. Gabriel is one of God's holy angels and although all angels are messengers, Gabriel appears associated with the Messiah, Jesus Christ and Mohammed with messages directly from God. He is refered to in the Old Testament as appearing to Daniel. In Christian tradition he appears to the Virgin and to Zachariah. In Islamic tradition he is renowned for dictating the Holy Koran to the Prophet Mohammed. He is the only angel known to Catholics, Protestants, Mormons and Muslims.
Happy Holidays.
POSTED BY STAN on December 24, 2009
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Comments
merry christmas
it is both sad and amazing that religion can be used as an excuse to KILL! yesterday as i stood in line at a very crowded package store i thought all these people buying booze to celebrate a baby's birthday!
Posted by: bo | December 25, 2009 09:45 AM