Advent is an important time of year for Christians because it marks the start of the church year and is celebrated as the “Four Weeks of Preparation” leading up to Christmas. It is also a time of self-reflection and anticipation of the coming of Jesus Christ.
It is an opportunity to remember why we celebrate, to be grateful for all the blessings in our lives, and to recognize the need for spiritual renewal.
By taking time to prepare and look inward during the season of Advent, we can better appreciate the joy of Christmas when it arrives. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual lives, pray for healing and guidance, and put our focus on the things that matter most.
It is also a period for giving and serving others, as Jesus reminds us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Advent is a reminder to reevaluate old actions and beliefs and to strive for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of our faith. We remember how Jesus Christ helped the world when He died on the cross, and that He will eventually come to set everything right.
This season is a time for us to take comfort in His promises and offer up our prayers that reflect our longing for His return.
Who is the Christmas angel?
The Christmas angel is a traditional figure in the Christmas holiday season. It is often depicted as an angel or cherub offering blessings and divine aid to the human world. It is believed the angel’s wings were sent to Earth on Christmas Day by God to remind the people of his power and love.
The concept of a Christmas angel can be traced back to ancient pagan cultures which celebrated the Winter Solstice festivals. They believed that during the darkest days of winter, a celestial female figure known as ‘the angel’ could bring hope and goodwill.
In the eighth century, St. Augustine of Hippo wrote that God often sent messengers and angels in order to spread his divine care and presence in the mortal world.
In Christianity, the Christmas angel is often linked to the Biblical story of the Annunciation in which the angel Gabriel reveals to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus, and the moment when Joseph is visited by the angel who warns him of King Herod’s plan to kill the baby Jesus.
Today, the Christmas angel is an important symbol that helps to remind us of the spirit of Christmas and how God uses angels to bring us good tidings. Especially during difficult or uncertain times, remembering the power of angels brings us peace, hope, and a sense of empowerment.
Seeing an angel of any kind also reminds us to have faith and trust in God’s plans and to focus on means of bringing peace and joy to the world.
Which angel told the shepherds of Jesus birth?
The angel who told the shepherds of Jesus’ birth was not revealed in the Bible, but it has been widely accepted that the angel was the Archangel Gabriel. The angel appeared to the shepherds while they were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem.
The angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds and explained that the Christ-child could be found wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. The angel was joined by many other heavenly beings, and together they brought a message of “peace on earth, goodwill towards men.
” The shepherds followed the angel’s instructions and ran to Bethlehem, where they found the Holy Family as they had been told. The shepherds humbly bowed down and worshipped the newborn King.
What is the role of angels in the Christmas story?
Angels play a major role in the Christmas story. They are the messengers of God who bring special news of Jesus’ coming. The angel Gabriel first appears in the book of Luke, where he tells the Virgin Mary she will conceive and bear a son who will be the Messiah.
The shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem receive an announcement from an angel that a Savior has been born. A multitude of angels also appear to them proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men!” The angels play a major role in reinforcing the importance of the birth of Jesus, not just to Mary and Joseph, but to the entire world.
The angel’s presence helps make this a special event and provides a spiritual assurance that God is with us at this extraordinary moment.
Is Christmas angel a Hallmark movie?
No, Christmas Angel is not a Hallmark movie. Christmas Angel is a 2012 American fantasy/family film directed by Harvey Frost and starring Catherine Hicks, Jason Priestley, and Jodie Sweetin. The film follows the story of a girl who unites with a Christmas Angel in order to save her family’s holiday traditions and honor the legacy of her grandparents.
The film was originally released on November 11, 2012 in select theaters and then went direct-to-video the following month. Though it was produced by Harvest Productions, it is not associated with the Hallmark Channel and has not been released on any of the network’s channels.
Where was Hallmark’s Christmas angel filmed?
Hallmark’s Christmas angel was filmed in Bulgaria. It was filmed at Boyana Film Studios located in Sofia. The studio is one of the biggest studio complexes in Eastern Europe and the largest in Bulgaria.
It houses four large stages, a variety of postproduction services, and a digital cinema production center. The studio was established in 1951 and has since hosted many famous films, television series and commercials.
In 2014, Hallmark’s Christmas angel was filmed at Boyana Film Studios as one of the studio’s first modern film productions. During the filming of Hallmark’s Christmas angel, the crew made use of the studio’s state-of-the-art technology and expertise including a 200-meter green screen and special effects equipment.
Despite the long journey from Los Angeles to Sofia, the cast and crew of Hallmark’s Christmas angel had an unforgettable experience filming in Bulgaria and took away wonderful memories.
How many hallmark Angel Falls movies are there?
There are currently seven movies in the Hallmark series “Angel Falls”. They are “Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday” (2019), “Angel Falls: A Novel Romance” (2020), “Angel Falls: Christmas is Here Again” (2020), “Angel Falls: Love Is in the Air” (2021), “Angel Falls: The Battle Begins” (2021), “Angel Falls: Unite & Conquer” (2021), and “Angel Falls: Journey to Bethlehem” (2021).
Each movie follows the story of Paige, a woman whose guardian angel (also named Paige) takes her on a journey to the small town of Angel Falls. Along the way, Paige forms relationships, solves conflicts, and discovers love.
Who is the angel in the nativity scene?
The angel in a nativity scene is usually depicted as a winged messenger of God, often wearing a long white robe and often with a human appearance. This angel serves as a messenger from heaven and is representative of the divine being sending a message to the world.
The angel is typically depicted announcing to the shepherds of the birth of Jesus Christ and often is re-enacting the famous lines from the Bible’s Gospel of Luke, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The angel also appears in the gospel of Matthew, where they proclaim to Joseph that he should name the baby Jesus, as it is a “name above all names” (Matthew 1:21).
What is the correct way to set up a nativity scene?
When it comes to setting up a nativity scene, there are a few key elements to bear in mind. The first step is to find a suitable location for the nativity scene. When deciding the location, consider factors such as the amount of natural light available and the size of the display.
Next, you’ll need to arrange the figures. Start by placing the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph, and a baby Jesus – in the centre. Depending on the figures you have, you can add shepherds to the left of the scene, with their flocks on the right.
You can then add the three wise men, bringing gifts to the manger, and animals such as cows, sheep, and donkeys. Keep some extra space between the figures, so that each one shines through.
Completing the scene are some more traditional elements, such as hay, a stable, a star, an angel, and a manger. To help create the scene, you can add some foliage, such as a small tree and evergreen plants, rocks and stones, and other small figurines.
To the side, or behind the scene, you can add a few more decorative elements to add some colour and contrast.
Finally, you’ll need to light your scene. While natural light is great, night-time lighting will really bring the scene to life. Set up some fairy lights, add some votive candles to the manger, or consider a spotlight or floodlights to really illustrate the beauty of your nativity scene.
What does a nativity scene symbolize?
A nativity scene is a traditional representation of the birth of Jesus Christ that is popularly displayed around Christmas. It usually depicts the infant Jesus in a manger, surrounded by his mother Mary, earthly father Joseph, shepherds, and animals.
While there are a few variations, the most popular and widespread one is based on the Gospel of Luke’s description of the event.
The symbolism behind a nativity scene is often that of hope, peace, and love. With the figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ-child, it celebrates the Holy Family; the humble beginnings of Jesus, who is born as a human being, in a stable and with little fanfare.
The presence of the shepherds and animals, on the other hand, symbolize God’s unconditional love for all creatures, both human and animal. As such, a nativity scene is a reminder of the divine and miraculous—a reminder that God’s grace reaches out to us all, no matter who we are or where we come from.
Moreover, it celebrates the central message of Christmas: that Jesus came to earth as a sign of God’s love and willingness to welcome all to His Kingdom. This is a reminder of God’s eternal hope and love, which is available to all people, regardless of their circumstance.
With this in mind, a nativity scene is a reminder of the true message of Christmas, having been created to bring joy and comfort to the world and to remind us of the promise of true love, peace and joy which comes with faithfully following Christ.
When should a nativity scene be set up?
A nativity scene can be set up anytime! Many people traditionally choose to set theirs up during the Advent season, which begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. This is to commemorate the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and to remind people that He is the reason for the season.
However, you are free to set up your nativity scene whenever you’d like – some individuals may choose to set theirs up earlier in the year, or perhaps in the run up to Christmas. Ultimately, it’s up to you when you would like to display your nativity scene in your home.
Is Mary on the left or right in the Nativity?
Mary is typically portrayed as being on the right hand side of the Nativity scene, often depicted as sitting or kneeling beside Joseph and the shepherds. Mary is usually holding the baby Jesus while the animals gather around and the Three Wise Men offer their gifts.
Depending on the artist’s interpretation and the type of Nativity scene being depicted, Mary may be situated in different parts of the scene. However, she is typically found on the right side of the scene, with Joseph and other characters accompanying her.
How do you set up an outdoor nativity set?
Setting up an outdoor nativity scene is an exciting, spiritual event that can bring a sense of peace and joy to the holiday season. To ensure that your nativity set is safe and secure, and to make sure it looks beautiful and impressive, there are a few steps to follow.
First, choose a level and cleared area that is free of debris and away from low-hanging branches for maximum safety. Make sure you measure the area to ensure your nativity scene has enough room to fit all the pieces.
Next, if you live in a region that experiences extreme temperatures, be sure to anchor the figures in the ground or use weighted base. You may also need a ladder to hang lights in tall trees nearby.
Once it’s set up and anchored securely, it’s time to arrange the pieces. Aim for a natural-looking landscape that makes sense for the scene. Place the stable and manger in the center, then add in the figures and animals.
You may want to loop white lights around the pieces to give it a soft glow in the evening. Place the spotlight on focal points such as the star, baby Jesus, and Joseph and Mary to draw onlookers’ attention.
Finally, fill the area with holiday decorations and accents that are related to the nativity scene such as poinsettias, festive wreaths, a glowing star, and a cozy pathway of lights. With a little bit of care and creativity, your outdoor nativity set will be the highlight of the holiday season.