Talking With Children About Angels

Angels watch over my baby,
Grant her a lifetime of your care
So that even when I can not be with her
I’ll know you will always be there.

Angels watch over my baby,
Grant her a lifetime of your love
So that even when my eyes are closed
I’ll know that you watch over from above.

Angels watch over my baby,
Bless every eyelash and curl.
For there is no one on earth any dearer
to me than my little baby girl.

~ From the lullaby, “Angels Watch Over My Baby”

Mom, what do you know about angels?

That’s a question one of my kids recently asked me. I responded quickly with some pretty standard answers based on what that I had gathered over the years reading the Bible—our best source of knowledge about angels.

They were simple but covered the basics. I told them that:

Angels appear in the Bible from beginning to end, from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation.

Angels are protectors. Throughout the Bible angels have keep God’s people out of physical danger, as in the case of Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:22). In the book of Psalms, there are numerous places that talk of God’s protection for us at the hands of angels. Some key verses to look up with your child about guardian angels are Psalm 91:11, Matthew 18:10 and Acts 12:15.

He will command His heavenly messengers to guard you, to keep you safe in every way. – Psalm 91:11 (The Voice)

Angels are messengers. Many a children’s favorite Bible story starts out with a visit from an angel. They are sent from Heaven to communicate a message from God’s and shortly thereafter our Bible hero’s adventure begins. The angel of the Lord visited Gideon and commissioned him to deliver Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6:11) and another appeared to Joseph in a dream to reassure him to take Mary as his wife and become an earthly father to Jesus (Matthew 1:20).

Angels are numerous. When Jesus was betrayed and arrestedHe said to those trying to rescue,

Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly? — Matthew 26:53

Angels make you take notice. Many times when angels appear to God’s people one of the first things they say is “Do not be afraid.” They said it to Hagar, Zechariah, and Mary. Joshua and David met angels armed with swords. I don’t know for sure what angels look like but my guess is that they are not small or weak.

While I satisfied my children’s curiosity, mine was piqued. I thought it would be easy to find out more information on these legendary spiritual beings so I did an online search. What I found was 290 verses in the Bible with the word angel in it. As I read through the list, I was amazed to find that there are many passages unfamiliar to me I realized there is so much more to learn about angels in the Bible!

In my search I was thrilled to discover a book that could answer many of my questions. It’s called Angels: a 90-Day Devotional About God’s Messengers by Christa Kinde. The book includes Q&A’s, myths busters, hymns, Bible story retellings, pop culture references, and trivia that helps the reader sort fact from fiction.

What I really love about this book is that it is recommended for ages 8-99, which means I can read it with my kids.

If you’re looking for additional reading material, also check out the recently-published The Angel Answer Book, which tackles some of the heavier topics about angels, including full chapters addressing demons as fallen angels and Satan’s role as the highest angel whose rebellion against God failed. Written in Q&A format, The Angel Answer Book is easy to digest in individual readings during devotional time! (Note: this book doesn’t have pictures so it’s more for teens and adults).

I am looking forward to having a better understanding of these beings that God created. They’re a fascinating part of the Bible and something exciting for kids to learn about as they discover more about our great God and his magnificent creation!

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Your Turn

Have your kids asked questions about angels? What have they asked and how have you answered? Do you tell them that they have guardian angels that watch over them? Come share with us on our blog!