Angels

To enable pupils to see that angels are messengers of God’s love for us.

by Paul Hess

Suitable for Whole School (Sec)

Aims

To enable pupils to see that angels are messengers of God’s love for us.

Preparation and materials

• You will need to play the song ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams.

• Bible reading: Genesis 21.17–20.

Assembly

1. Play the song once pupils are settled, rather than as they are coming in – this will give them an opportunity to listen to the words carefully.
2. As a light-hearted introduction, you may wish to conduct a quick poll on the merits of Robbie Williams as a singer, e.g. Put your hands up if you are a Robbie fan … if you’ve even heard of Robbie Williams?
3. Whether you are a Robbie fan or not, there is no denying the power of this particular song.  Several years ago it was a huge hit, and it seems to touch something deep within us. Its message goes to the very heart of human existence – the need to be loved completely and unconditionally, the need to be loved and never forsaken.
   
   You might like to quote the chorus section that begins; ‘And through it all’ (due to copyright restrictions we can’t print the lyrics).
   
   Robbie Williams is dreaming of a love that goes beyond human love, a love that is always there, a constant reassuring presence amid all the ups and downs of life.
4. One of central Christian beliefs of the Christian faith is that God is always there, that the love of God never forsakes us. No matter how bad things get, God’s loving presence is always with us – and, as Robbie Williams’ song makes clear, it is angels that remind us of this everlasting, divine love.
5. Now, I hear you say – angels? Great heavenly creatures with large wings and haloes – I’ve certainly never seen one or I don’t believe in them!
   
   It is important to remember that the Greek word angelos, from which we get the word angels, simply means ‘messenger’. So when we think of angels we should think not only of mighty celestial beings, but of ordinary human messengers – the people in our lives who remind us of God’s love for us.
6. It never ceases to amaze me how whenever I am feeling low, someone seems to come along just to ask how I am, to offer a simple word of encouragement or reassurance – or to make me laugh!
   
   You may wish to insert a simple and personal example of how an ‘angel’ has helped you in your life.
   
   It is at moments like this that we are reminded – through other people acting as God’s messengers or angels – that God loves us and never forsakes us.
7. When you are going through tough times in life, remember that nothing can separate us from God’s love. And remember too – God’s angels are closer than you might think …
8. Each one of us is also called to be an angel – to be God’s messengers. Each day brings us opportunities to offer friendship and support to those around us – to remind them that they are loved and cared for. Your word of kindness may be exactly what that person needs at that moment.

Time for reflection

In the book of Genesis we have the story of the slave girl Hagar, who was abandoned in the desert with her son Ishmael. An angel of God comes to remind her that she is not alone.

Read Genesis 21.17–20.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your angels who remind us that your love never forsakes us. 

Help us, too, to be your messengers of love to those around us.

Amen.