A Unique Take on Christmas Angels
During the pandemic, the Rev. Kira Austin-Young and her husband, Michael Schupbach, a talented puppet-maker, found themselves grappling with the monotony of isolation. In a moment of creativity, they decided to break away from the traditional Christmas tree topper. Instead of opting for a star or a conventional angel, they envisioned a biblically accurate angel. The outcome was a strikingly vibrant creature adorned with pink, blue, and gold feathers, featuring six wings and a multitude of eyes that quickly captured the attention of many online.
“In these tumultuous times, where the world can feel both frightening and strange, having a bizarre and unconventional angel resonates with people,” Austin-Young remarked. According to her, angels in the Bible come in various forms, yet detailed descriptions are sparse. However, both the Book of Revelation and several prophetic texts in the Old Testament depict extraordinary beings surrounding the divine throne. “Some angels possess six wings, each covered in eyes,” she explained, while others are described as having multiple animal heads. “The beauty of the Bible lies in its ability to present such bizarre and fantastical imagery,” she added.
Interestingly, a recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research revealed that about 70% of U.S. adults express belief in angels. Yet, there remains a lack of consensus regarding their appearance or their true nature. Social media has exploded with diverse interpretations of “biblically accurate angels,” manifesting not only in whimsical tree toppers but also in art, tattoos, and even makeup tutorials. These many-eyed beings challenge the conventional depictions of angels prevalent in Western art, where they are often portrayed as ethereal humans with wings, typically characterized by light skin and blonde hair.
Esther Hamori, a professor of Hebrew Bible at Union Theological Seminary, differentiates between angels and other “supernatural entities” in the biblical canon, such as seraphim and cherubim. Despite this distinction, she embraces the trend of biblically accurate angels, even if it blurs these categories. “It reflects a growing curiosity about the bizarre and profound elements contained within the Bible that are often overlooked,” she stated in an email. “The biblical cosmos is indeed populated with strange and fearsome beings. God maintains a retinue of extraordinary creatures.”
One of Austin-Young’s cherished representations of the Annunciation—a beloved theme in Christian artistry depicting the archangel Gabriel’s revelation to Mary about her divine pregnancy—is by the artist Henry Ossawa Tanner. In this interpretation, Gabriel is envisioned as a vaguely humanoid beam of light. “This portrayal prompts a reevaluation of what it might feel like to encounter an angel,” she reflected. “If the angel is an unfamiliar entity or simply a manifestation of a divine message, it opens up endless possibilities. That encounter could take on many forms.”
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