The angels depicted on our Sanctus banners are far different than the 20th century angelic art, to which we’ve become conditioned.
We’re used to seeing pretty ladies with soft features. Warm, inviting, matronly gals in flowing white robes with flowery headbands are these. They subsist in an other-worldly, kincade-esque field of light. These are not what the bible describes.
Every biblical description of angel shows us fearsome messengers of God. All have men’s names. They are so startling that they must say, “fear not.”
The angels on our Sanctus banners fit the biblical mold. They are Seraphim, who serve the Lord in His kingdom. Isaiah describes them this way.
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. [Isaiah 6:1-4]
These cherubim are terrifying in appearance. Isaiah is frightened by them. Yet, they serve the Lord and minister to His servants. For Isaiah, he repents of the uncleanness of his lips. The angel takes a coal from the altar and touches his lips, purifying him. We sing the Sanctus (holy, holy, holy) and Sundays before receiving Jesus body and blood for the remission of sins, purifying us too.
The angels are modest before the throne of God. They cover their feet, which can be a Hebrew euphemism for the hidden parts of our bodies. The coverings show both modesty and subordination to the Lord. These mighty, fearsome creatures are not the Lord, nor are they worthy of worship.
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” [Revelation 4:8-11]
The Seraphim appear again in the Apocalypse of St. John (Revelation). Here we gain a description of their many eyes. These standing guard by the throne see all things. Nothing escapes their notice, while they direct the liturgy of the Lamb in His kingdom. This is far better than the servants you have here. I can’t always conduct the divine service without the text and music in front of me.
Our banner Seraphim look like the descriptions of St. Isaiah the prophet and St. John the revelator. They have their six wings and their many eyes. They stand their post, while the Lord serves His people. These banners are also from our friends at Ad Crucem.
Holy, holy, holy! Blessèd is He.
Rev. Jason M. Kaspar
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Preschool
La Grange, TX
©2021 Jason Kaspar. All rights reserved. Permission granted to copy, share and display freely for non-commercial purposes. Direct all other rights and permissions inquiries to cosmithb@gmail.com.
