S4-Day 3 Angel Gabriel, the Good News Carrier: For Whom?

Reflecting Verses: 

Recently, an Indian Politician said, “He is an angel and sent by God to rule India. The motive of his appointment intended to bring the peace to the Nation” to denote that the leader was appointed by God. 

The Government of India announcing the “good news” of Covid-19 vaccine. 

The Greek term ἄγγελος (Angelos) means “Messengers.” Angel Gabriel, God’s messenger (Luke 1) is one of the well-known characters in the traditional Christmas story. Probably the most famous divine being in the Bible. Gabriel is often attributed with mercy, promise and carrier of the mysteries of God. 

Gabriel spoke to three characters in the bible, namely: Daniel, Zechariah, (the father of John the Baptist), as well as to Mary, (the mother of Jesus). Probably angel Gabriel is the one who appeared to Joseph a number of times saying I’m an angel of the LORD. Other appearances of the angel of the LORD in the New Testament could be attributed as well. Traditionally angel Gabriel is known as the carrier and announcer of the good news. 

But the question is Good news for whom? The event stands testimony of being both “Good news and Bad News.” For those suffering, lowly and marginalized, this was Good news. For the rulers and oppressors, it was Bad news, for they were troubled by the news of this new King of the Jews, even passed orders to kill infants. Therefore, the angel Gabriel is not only carried the Good news to the poor, but also the bad news to the rich and the powerful. Had Jesus’ birth news reached us today in 2020 in India, the announcement by Gabriel would have been trapped by the bureaucrats in power, because it was not good news for them. The two statements mentioned above shows us who the messenger is, what the good news is and who are the receivers. 

During the time of Jesus birth, the shepherds are the first receivers and visitors. To make it clear, shepherds live with nature and outside of the villages and feed their flocks in the wilderness. God’s priority through the angel Gabriel’s, therefore, are the outcast. Today the “outcasts” are raped, killed, violated and exploited. The so-called “angels” are creating spaces and siding the perpetrators. 

At days passed by, people realize that, the so-called “angel’s” agenda was not to revive patriotism or do good for the people. Even the Covid vaccine and its relief is used as a strong weapon to attract voters. It is clearly visible because, initially the vaccine was announced for the front-line workers but eventually became a weapon during election campaigning. 

While the God-sent Angel Gabriel brought good news to the poor, the human-made angel sides the rich and the powerful killing the poor and plundering the vulnerable. Amidst this COVID Christmas, let us reclaim the good news that God sent for us. The good news of Justice (social, economic and political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship), Equality (of status and of opportunity), Fraternity (assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation). 

The good news brought through the angel Gabriel must not bring glad tidings to the rich but bring comfort to the bereaved families affected by Covid-19 and all those who are pushed to unjustified Margins. The good news must announce solidarity with the victims of power and greed, liberation to the oppressed, warning to the powerful, and hope in this hopeless world. Amen. 

Prayer 

During this Christmas O lord, bring joy and happiness amidst the suffering and strengthen us through our pains. May your light shine in our darkness and lighten our hearts to treat everyone with love. May your justice, love and compassion be born in us this Christmas. Amen. 

Author: Bhupathi Vadiga

About the Author: Bhupathi hails from Khammam, Telangana.  He earned his Bachelor of Divinity from the United Theological College, Bangalore. His Theological journey is a testimony of the struggles he went through, especially when he lost his parents. He currently serves as the Assistant Pastor at Christian Witness Church, Gudimalla, Telangana. He is a talented musician, composer, creative writer (Telugu), photographer, artist and a Dalit ideologist.