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2023 Christmas Eve Music from Zion Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve Music, as listed in the Christmas Eve Bulletin
This recording is a 26 mb download, and runs 53 minutes.
The recording didn’t start on time (sorry), and some songs listed in the bulletin might not have been played, or played in a different order.

  • O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Emily Trentini (Flute)

  • Angels We Have Head on High, Hark the Herald Angels Sing – Tracey Johnson (Tenor Sax), Mark Killinger (Alto Sax)

  • Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night – Nathan Grimenstein (Piano)

  • On This Day Earth Shall Ring, The First Noel, Joy to the World - Grace Bell Choir

  • O Holy Night – Daniel Grimenstein (Piano)

  • O Come, All Ye Faithful – Claire Schrag (Clarinet), Tracey Johnson (Clarinet)

  • O Little Town of Bethlehem; O Come, All Ye Faithful - Luke Lemonovich, Mark Killinger (Alto Sax)

  • He Is Born, The Heavenly Child - Nathan Grimenstein (Piano)

  • On this Day Earth Shall Ring - Grace Bell Choir

  • O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Pippa Carter (Violin), Jesse Carter (Guitar)

  • Low How a Rose E’re Blooming, The First Noel -- Lydia Grimenstein (Violin), Anna Grimenstein (Cello)

  • Hymn #562 – All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall

  • Choir

  • Hymn #361 – O Little Town of Bethlehem

  • Hymn #368 – Angels We Have Heard on High

  • Quartet – Where Shepherds Lately Knelt

  • Hymn #387 – Joy to the World

  • Hymn #379 – O Come, All Ye Faithful

  • Hymn #370 – What Child Is This

  • Hymn #363 – Silent Night, Holy Night

  • Music Ministry Service Participants

  • Organist- Douglas Krantz

  • Quartet Members:
    Tevia Grimenstein- Soprano, Nyomin Hatok - Alto, Douglas Krantz- Tenor & Mark Killinger- Bass

  • Choir:

    Jack Bishop, Judy Bridges, Nyomin Hatok, Roger Diederich, Anna Grimenstein, Tevia Grimenstein, Douglas Krantz, Luke Lemonovich, Kristen Neill, Mary Lou Neill, Jim Oelschlager & Marian Oelschlager

  • Faith Bell Choir:

    Nancy Klemash, Jim Neill, Mary Lou Neill, Barb Oechslein, Wayne Oechslein & Marian Oelschlager

  • Grace Bell Choir:

    Kari Gresh, Tracey Harris, Tracey Johnson, Megan Migyanko, Megan Pasquini, Mary Lou Rilee, Bethany Schrag & Claire Schrag

    Christmas Poinsettias, Altar Flowers & Eternal Light Given By …

  • Carl & Karen Bauer in Memory of George & Nancy Geregach, and in Honor of our Children & Grandchildren (2 red glitter)

  • Bishop Family in Memory of Loved Ones Singing in Heaven's Choir (2 red)

  • Judy Dames in memory of Loved Ones (eternal light)

  • Mike & Cheryl Debowski in Memory of our son, Matthew, and our Parents (1 red, 1 marble)

  • Paul & Terry Hayes in Celebration of the Birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus (altar vase)

  • Bobbie Hoelle in Memory of my husband, John (1 red)

  • Gene & Sharon Koop in Memory of their Daughter, Stacy (1 red)

  • Jane Kozak in Memory of Loved Ones (altar vase)

  • Brent & Marianne Miller in Memory of our Beloved Parents, Ray & Millie Thielet and Bill & Margaret Miller; and my dearest friend, Darlene Pirmez (2 red)

  • Mary Lou Rilee in Honor of Loved Ones (3 ice punch)

  • … and by Zion Lutheran Church in Honor of Christ's Birth

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AUDIO: Readings & Sermon for Sunday December 31, 2023 - New Year's Eve

The 7:00 p.m. service will be Live Streamed on our YouTube channel

View the bulletin for Sunday, December 31, 2023
New Year’s Eve
2:00 p.m. - Worship Service with Communion
7:00 p.m. - Worship Service with Communion
(The 7:00 p.m. service will be streamed on our YouTube channel)

Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Bulletins

First Reading -- Isaiah 61:10—62:3
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD;
my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
The nations shall see your righteousness,
and all the kings your glory,
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Second Reading – Galatians 4:4-7
When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Third Reading – Luke 2:22–40
When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, [Mary and Joseph] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

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The Saints Triumphant ... The Members Zion Lost in 2023

We Mourn the Loss of Lois Dittmer
It has pleased the Lord to call unto Himself our sister in Christ, Lois Dittmer.  May the Lord comfort Lois' niece, Kathleen Conn, and the rest of their family with His peace that surpasses understanding. 

Obituary of Lois Dittmer
Dittmer, Lois (Funaiock) Age 91 of Washington, formerly North Strabane Twp., Lois passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Henry W. Dittmer, Jr. for 66 years and was the daughter of the late Catherine Marie (Babe) Schneider and Frederick H. Funaiock. She was also preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Sarah (Norma) Funaiock and James K. Lynch. She was the loving aunt of Keith (Betty) Lynch, Kelly (John) Henrichs, Kathleen (Wayne) Conn and Karen (Scott) Snyder; great aunt of 8 and great-great aunt of 2. Lois was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgeville. She retired from Colt Industries/Crucible Steel after 41 years. Lois loved to travel and, after retirement, she volunteered with the local AARP chapter as their travel coordinator and newsletter publisher for several years.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, January 19 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the WARCHOL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412.221.3333), where a funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. View and share condolences at www.warcholfuneralhome.com

We Mourn the loss of Thomas Carthy
November 8, 1958 — April 7, 2023
Pittsburgh

Thomas Carthy, age 64, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 7, 2023, after a difficult battle with cancer.  He was surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly.  

Tom was born on November 8, 1958, in Calgary, Alberta.  He was the son of Theresa and James Carthy and brother to Maureen Carthy.  Tom attended St. Francis High School and went on to study commerce at the University of Calgary.  After graduation, he was hired by Nova Corporation, where he worked in finance and built his career for over 40 years, eventually becoming Vice President of Corporate Financial Planning and Tax services.

Tom married his wife, Lynn, on August 6, 1983.  They were blessed with 40 years of love, devotion and tremendous respect for one another.  Together they raised their two sons, Sean and Stephen (Ali). In March 2000, Tom was transferred to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh quickly became home for Tom and his family.  

Tom was so loved and will be missed by many. He was an intelligent man with a sharp, dry sense of humor.  He was extremely tender hearted, generous, loving and nurturing.  Despite his shyness, he was very gifted at connecting with people in the most sincere manner.  He was an avid reader and especially fond of anything historical. A man of strong faith, he loved the simplest things in life – sharing good food and wine with people he loved, sitting on the deck watching the rain fall, going for brisk walks in the morning, having crazy analytical conversations with his wife, fishing with his boys at the cottage, and going to bed surrounded by a menagerie of furry friends.  

On Saturday, April 29, visitations will be held at 10:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, followed by a church service at 11:00am, and a luncheon immediately following in the fellowship hall. Zion Lutheran Church is located at 3197 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

 Arrangements Entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp. (412-563-2800) www.slaterfuneral.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Carthy, please visit our flower store.

We mourn the loss of Gladys J. Cimarolli
Cimarolli Gladys J. (Herman) Age 93, of South Fayette Twp., on June 9, 2023. Beloved wife for 60 years of the late Harry J. Cimarolli, loving mother of Beth (Bill) Paviol, cherished grandmother of Sarah Paviol, sister of Hannah (David) Veydt and the late Thomas (Bonnie) Herman, siter-in-law of Thelma (late Louis) Cimarolli.

Gladys was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville. Friends received Thursday morning, June 15, from 10 – 11 am, at which time a service will be held at 11 am, at the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Gladys to Zion Lutheran Church, 3197 Washington Pike, Bridgeville 15017

We Mourn the Loss of Tom Bicusky
Anthony Thomas Bicusky Jr., 91, of Bridgeville entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 2, 2023.

He was born January 7, 1932 in McDonald; a son of the late Hefen lglar (Paul Waz) and the late Tony Bicusky.

Tom was a graduate of South Fayette High School's Class of 1949. He went on to serve in The United States Army. After his time in the service, he worked as a salesman for Williams & Company in their steel tubing department, retiring after 30+ years.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and gardening in his spare time. Tom was quite the pool shark and often challenged his friends to a game to see if they could win. Most times, they did not!

Back in the day, you could find Tom singing in various clubs and dancing the jitterbug, waltz, and polka to his favorite bands.

His wife of 42 years, Janet Flint, preceded him in death in 1994. His second wife of 15 years, Shirley Hayes, passed in 2014.

Tom is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Semenick (Richard) and Tammy Metzger (John); along with seven grandchildren, and eight great- grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Irene Webb (Kenneth) and Dorothy Irwin (John). Another sister, Virginia "Sally" Kress (Arthur) is deceased.

Family and friends will be received from 11 to 1 p.m. Friday, July 7, at Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 E. Lincoln Ave., McDonald, PA 15057 with a service being held at the funeral home immediately following visitation. Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray, PA.

The family would like to thank Enhabit Hospice and the staff and caretakers at Celebration Villas at Lakemont Farms for the care and compassion provided to their loved one.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory can be made either online or by mail to Enhabit Cares Foundation, 6688 N. Central Expy, Ste 1300, Dallas, TX 75206.

We Mourn the Loss of
Rose Marie (Oelschlager) Steranko

Rose Marie Steranko, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 3rd, 2023 at her home in Scott Township surrounded by her loving family.  Survived by her husband, Raymond, her son Michael Steranko, grandchildren Caroline, Georgia, and Cormac Steranko, her daughter Marilyn and husband William Stone, sister-in-law Diana Anderson, and brother-in-law Ronald Skarupa.  Rose was preceded in death by her sister Ruth and brother-in-law Robert Steranko, and sister in-law Madeline Skarupa.  She was born in Bridgeville, PA on November 10, 1938 to Mary (Mamie) and Harry Oelschlager.  She graduated from Bridgeville High School and went to Thiel College. Rose married Raymond Steranko on September 30, 1967.  Her first job out of school was at Alcoa as an administrative assistant as well as other companies.  She was a devout member of Zion Lutheran Church and was a long-time volunteer for the Altar guild. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends including her fellow bridge players.  In her youth she enjoyed cheerleading, dance, skiing, and traveling.  Her family and soul-mate Raymond of 55 years gave her the most joy in her life. In lieu of flowers, donations to Zion Lutheran Church are welcomed (website:  zlcb.org / address:  3197 Washington Pike, Bridgeville PA 15017). 

From Bagnato Funeral Home: To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rose Marie (Oelschlager) Steranko, please visit our floral store.

We Mourn the Loss of Marian Lorraine (McCollough) Siek

Marian Siek passed from this life on September 29, 2023, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. 

Marian was born in Laramie, WY, on November 27, 1942, to Albert and Helen (Harris) McCollough. In 1946 the family moved to New York, where sister Kimberly was born. They lived in East Bronx, Queens, and East Meadow, Long Island.  Marian graduated from Earlham College in 1964 and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Microbiology at Oregon State University.  It was here that she met her future husband, Theodore Siek.  Marian went to work at University of California Berkeley as an instructor in Microbiology. But she soon returned to Corvallis, OR, where she and Ted were married on June 29, 1968. 

Shortly after, the newlyweds moved to Hartford, CT.  In the following years, they moved to Richmond, VA, where son Kevin was born in 1971, and then to Vienna, VA, where daughter Amy was born in 1974.  The family of four then lived for several years in Aurora, CO, where Marian enjoyed hiking and skiing.  They then settled in Southampton, PA, where Marian was a dedicated mother who volunteered in the school library and as a Girl Scout leader.  She also worked tirelessly as the office manager for the laboratory where Ted served as founding director.  After their retirement, they moved to Pittsburgh, PA, and called the community of Friendship Village their home. 

Everywhere that Marian and Ted lived, she was an active member at their local Lutheran Church.  She was a member of various women’s circles, and served in children’s programs.  She loved hymns and listening to radio programs.  Marian often knew just about all the answers on her favorite TV show, “Jeopardy.”

Marian was an encouragement and conduit of God’s love to those around her.  She is remembered by many for her sincerity, patient disposition, and for the grace with which she faced her Parkinson’s Disease for over 25 years.  As she faced many physical challenges, she was never known to complain.  Quiet but not silent, she let her voice be heard when needed. She placed her trust in her Savior to the very end, saying, “God is good.”

Marian is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Theodore (“Ted”), son Kevin (Jennifer), daughter Amy Sarkett (Greg), sister Kimberly Thurler (John), sister-in law Doris Merrithew and family, and grandchildren James, Jessie, Ryan, Jenna, Evan, Kassidy, Keith, Caden, Nolan, Kimberly, and John. 

The family wishes to thank the medical staff of Friendship Village, Concordia Visiting Nurses, and The Wound Center at St. Clair Hospital for their kindness and care of Marian. 

A service of resurrection hope will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 3197 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017, at 2:30 PM on Friday, October 6. Visitation prior to the service from 1:30-2:30 PM at Zion.  Burial will be private at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.  Arrangements entrusted to Warchol Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Foundation, Compassion International, or Lutheran Hour Ministries. 

Obituary of Ronald G. Valentino
from Warhol Funeral Home
Age 84, of Collier Twp., formerly of South Fayette Twp., on October 3, 2023. Beloved husband of Betty (Sheldon) Valentino, loving father of Richard Valentino and Susen (Joseph) Radovich, cherished grandfather of Ronald (Aubrie Ensinger) Radovich and Melissa (Jacob) Radovich – Magdich, brother of Nancy (John) Livesay, Roberta (Eugene) Dellarso and the late Raymond Valentino and his wife Carrie, who survives, the late Ruth Spalla and her husband Gerald, who survives and the late Wayne Valentino and his wife Debbie, who survives. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was a retired employee from Mayview State Hospital. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and golfing. He was also a former South Fayette youth baseball coach for many years.

Friends received Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 pm, at the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333). A Funeral Service will be held Friday, 10:30 am, at Zion Lutheran Church (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 3197 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

Roxanne Burgh
July 8, 1956 - October 20, 2023

Roxanne Burgh, 67, of Washington, died in her home on Friday, October 20, 2023.

She was born July 8, 1956, in Lakewood, CA, to the late Richard and Lois Roe.

A 1974 graduate of Lakewood High School, she married the late J. George Burgh, of Hill Station, PA, on October 26, 1974, in Long Beach, California on the RMS Queen Mary.

Roxanne was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church’s congregation and choir in Bridgeville, PA.

Among her hobbies were collecting anything from the Wizard of Oz, Disneyland, and flower gardening. Her favorite hobby was spending time with her California family and friends, and most importantly, her grandchildren.

She is survived by her two children, Salina (Greg) Howcroft of Houston and Paul Burgh of Canonsburg; three grandchildren, Carson and Brandon Burgh, and Nathan Howcroft; her sister, Jane Richmond; along with several nieces and nephews. Her dog, Dixie, will miss her dearly.

Preceding her in death were siblings, Rick, Ted, and twin sister Renee Roe, along with dogs, Toto and Glinda, who were her faithful companions.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, October 26, 2023, 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. The service will be on Friday, October 27, at 10 am with Rev. Dr. Edward Grimestein officiating.

Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Obituary of Mildred (Calgaro) Thielet
(From Warchol Funeral Home)
Age 99, of Bridgeville, on October 24, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Raymond Thielet, loving mother of Donald (Deana) Thielet and Marianne (Brent) Miller, grandmother of Rebecca (Ross) Godlove, Gina Thielet, and Julia (Roe) Vanderford, also 4 great grandchildren, sister of the late John, Lena, Peter, Victor, Andrew, and Adolph “Cal” Calgaro, Clara Milavec, Rita Herceg, and Jennie Myers; dear friend of the late John Schneider, Jacque (the late Jack) Oelschlager, and Bernice (the late Bob) DeBoe. Millie was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville.

Friends received Friday, 3-7 pm, at the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333). A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, 10 am, at Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Zion Lutheran Church.

Judy Meier
(Details forthcoming)
It has pleased the Lord to call unto Himself our sister-in-Christ, Judy Meier, last evening (Saturday December 30, 2023). Funeral details will be forthcoming.  Please continue to pray for Ron and family, that the Lord would comfort them with the assurance of eternal life in Him.

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Portals of Prayer -- Jan. - March 2024 Now Available

Pick up your free copy of “Portals of Prayer” in the Narthex or Atrium.
Portals of Prayer is a favorite of readers looking for ways to stay in God's Word with easy, daily devotions. A great way to start each day, readings feature a Bible passage, meditation, and prayer in an easy-to-read format. Portals of Prayer is great for personal devotions and can be used to open church meetings or Bible studies. Published in the convenient and popular pocket size, large-print, or digest editions. Published quarterly, authors change each month. Portals of Prayer has been a source of strength and comfort since 1937.

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What About ... Angels

What About … Angels
It seems as though angels have captured the imagination of people everywhere. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about angels, along with superstitions and unscriptural understanding. This pamphlet will provide a Biblical perspective on angels.

Do angels exist?
The Word of God—not popular television shows or magazine articles—is our only reliable source for knowing what angels are, and what they do. The Bible teaches us that angels were made by God during the six days of creation. Before creation there was only God (John 1:1-3), and after creation, we are told that on the seventh day God “rested from all the work of creating he had done” (Gen. 2:3b). The Bible does not indicate on which day of creation God made angels. But angels are very real.

What does the word “angel” mean?
The word “angel” comes from a Greek word that means “messenger”. Angels are God’s messengers. Elsewhere in the Bible, angels are described as spirits (cf. Acts 23:9; Heb.1:14). The word “angel” is actually a description of what they do.

What are angels?
Angels are spirits. They are beings who do not have a physical body. Jesus Himself said, “a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (Luke 24:39). Evil angels too are described as not having “flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12). In the Scriptures, when angels do appear in human form, this is only a momentary appearance for those who need to see them. Angels are not gods. They are God’s creation and serve His holy and perfect will. The good angels are said to be “ministering spirits” (Heb. 1:14), sent by God to serve us, His people.

Are angels human?
Human beings are the crown of God’s creation. Only of human beings, and no other creature, did God say, “Let us make man in our own image” (Gen. 1:26). Furthermore, the Scriptures reveal that only into human beings did God breathe the breath of life (Gen. 2:7). Also, God did not give angels rule over His creation. This privilege He gave only to mankind (Gen. 1:26-28). Angels are not human beings. They exist as spirits who serve God and His people.

Do human beings become angels when they die?
No, human beings do not become angels when they die. The Scriptures are clear on this point. Until the last day, the souls of the dead are before the Lord, enjoying peace and rest in His presence, awaiting the final day when they will receive glorified bodies for all eternity (see Cor. 15; 1 Thess.5:17; Rev.7)

Are angels intelligent beings?
The Bible describes angels as having both intelligence and a will. The good angels know and follow the wisdom of God, which He has revealed through Christ to His church (Eph.3:10). They gladly serve us, who are the heirs of the salvation Christ has won for us (Heb.1:14). However, angels do not know all things. For instance, they do not know the thoughts of our hearts (1 Kings 8:39).

How powerful are angels?
Angels are extremely powerful beings. They are described as “mighty ones” (Ps.103:20;2 Thess.1:7). The good angels guard and protect God’s children (Ps.91:11-13). The power of the angels is never unlimited, but is always subject to the will and authority of God. Evil angels too are powerful beings. The Bible tell us that they hold captive all unbelievers (Luke 11:21-22; Eph.2:2). Believers in Christ are able to withstand the temptation of evil angels through the power of God (Eph.6:10-17).

Where are angels?
Angels, like God, do not inhabit the same physical dimension that human beings inhabit. From time to time, they are ordered by God to appear in our physical dimension. Thus, while there are times when angels will make an appearance at a distinct place (cf.Acts 12:7), they remain beings that inhabit no physical space.

How many angels are there?
The Bible does not give us an exact number, but does clearly teach that there are incredibly large numbers of angels who serve God. Scripture speaks of “ten thousand times ten thou-sand angels” (Dan.7:10). Elsewhere Scriptures speaks of “a great company of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13).

From every indication in the Bible, there are an unimaginably large number of angels, of whom we are totally unaware most of the time. There is a fixed and limited number of angels, nev-er increasing or decreasing. Unlike human beings, angels do not marry and have children (Mark 12:25). They are immoral.

Are all angels the same?
Within the large numbers of angels there are apparently certain orders or classes of angels. Scripture speaks of “cherubim” (Gen.3:24; Ps 80:1), “seraphim” (Is.6:2), “thrones or powers or rulers or authorities” (Col.1:16), “archangel” (1 Thess.4:16).

Also among the evil angels there are ranks and classes of angels (Matt.25:41). Stan is described as the “Prince of the devils” (Luke 11:15). It is pointless, however, to try to invent complicated divisions and ranks of angels, since Scripture itself does not provide us with this information.

What are evil angels, and what do they do?
Originally, all angels God created were good and did His will perfectly. At some point after God created them, some angels chose to rebel against Him. They fell away from God and into great sin and evil. At that point, they were confirmed in their evil condition. There is no hope for them. In Matt.8:29, they recognize that there will be a time when they must suffer eternal torment and punishment for their rebellion against God.

Satan is the chief evil angel, the “prince of demons” (Luke 11:15). Here is how our Lord Jesus Christ describes Satan: “He was a mur-dered from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth to him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

When precisely the evil angels rebelled and fell away form God we cannot say for sure, but we do know it was some time at the very be-ginning of the world. Most Christian church fathers believe that the evil angels’ original sin was pride, based on the fact that Satan’s temp-tation of Adam and Eve was an appeal to their pride. Also, 1 Tim.3:6 indicated that pride was the cause of the devil’s condemnation.

The devil is our great enemy, who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet.5:8). The Bible tells us that the devil is the cause of unbelief in the world (Eph.2:1-2). Every person who does not believe the good news of Christ Jesus is thinking and doing what he devil wants. Unbelievers are described in the Bible as being in the devil’s kingdom and under his power (Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13). The very fact that people do not realize this, and even deny it, is the devil’s greatest deception. The devil is so deceptive, at times he will even disguise himself as an “angel of light” (2 Cor.11:14). In fact, the Old Testament once refers to Stan as “Lucifer,” which means, “light bearer” (Isa.14:12;KJV).

We need to keep in mind that all the Bible says about evil angels, and their eternal punishment, is for the purpose of making us recog-nize the need to repent and believe in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who has ransomed mankind by His death, and saved us for eternal life, not in hell, but in heaven.

What do good angels do?
Good angels enjoy the blessing of being able to see God. They are in the immediate presence of God, always beholding His great glory, majesty and power (Matt.18:10). This is called the “beatific vision,” which all Christians will enjoy one day when they are in heaven.

God’s Word reveals the following things about the activity of good angels: They praise God (Is.6:3; Luke 2:13), and they are the Lord’s servants in the world and in the Church (Ps.103:20-21; Heb.1:14).

God sends angels to serve and to protect Christian believers in their work and their callings in life (Ps.91:11-12). They attend to the dying (Luke 16:22). They care for children (Matt.18:10). Angels are deeply interested in all that occurs in the Church. They adore and take great joy in the work of Jesus Christ for the salvation for the world (Luke 2:13;Eph.3:10) They rejoice over every sinner who repents (Luke 15:10) .

Scripture mentions the presence of angels at every great event in the Kingdom of God. Angels were present when God gave His law on Mt.Sinai (Deut.33:2; Gal.3:19). Angels were present at the concep-tion, birth, resurrection and ascension of our Lord (Luke 1:26; 2:11; Mark 1:13; 24:5; Acts 1:10). Angels will come with Jesus when He returns on the last day (Matt.13:41; 24:31).

The Bible tells us that angels are present in the public worship of Christians (1 Cor. 11:10). God also uses angels to help the family and to preserve law and order (Gen.24:7; Matt.18:10; Dan.10:13).

How are we to treat angels?
We need to praise and thank God for good angels. We are told that we are to take care not to offend them through sin and unbelief (1 Cor.11:10; 1 Tim.5:21). But the Scriptures are also clear that we must not pray to angels, nor offer them our worship. The angels them-selves protest any worship given to them (Rev.22:8-9).

As believers, we have the privilege of having angels surrounding us and protecting us and working to do God’s good and perfect will in our lives. Our hope and trust is always in God, whom we now sends His angels to watch over us and to see us through whatever difficulty in life may come our way.

Dr. A. L. Barry
President (1992-2001)
The Lutheran Church –Missouri Synod

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