Christian Science teaches that angels are God's messengers, or holy thoughts imparted from the divine Mind to human consciousness. When we apply this fact to interpret spiritually the angel visitations in the Easter story, the tender, comforting love of God for all His children permeates that drama anew. And we learn that even in earth's darkest hours God's thoughts are always present to encourage and bless.
When Christ Jesus prayed for surcease in the Garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion, "there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him." Luke 22:43; Renewed with spiritual power, Jesus was aware more than ever before of God's unfailing support. When his trusted disciples failed to watch with him in his struggle, God's angel thoughts kept a quickening vigil. And when the Master turned completely away from human dependence to the ministration of the angels, he was exalted to welcome the mighty mission before him. Later, when he restrained one of the disciples during last-minute heroics before the arresting soldiers, Jesus gently reminded him, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" Matt. 26:53;
Some of his followers had mistakenly concluded that the Master would personally establish a Utopian monarchy on earth. But when his disciples had buried their material expectations at the entombment of their beloved friend, they were ready for spiritual exaltation. Angels were waiting at the sepulcher; and down through the ages the divine intuitions still repeat the glorious tidings: "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said." 28:5,6;
