“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…’”
—The Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 2, verse 10.
Angels are pervasive in the iconography of Christmas. Appearing variously throughout the Hebrew and Greek scriptures in human form, or the form of a winged humanoid, or as terrifying and nigh unimaginable multi-headed beasts or fiery rings of eyes; even the less frightening versions arrive with a plea to “Fear not!”
Following upon yesterday’s introduction of the Gospel’s shepherds, this pack is about collaboration between angels and humans.
Advent 16: Guardian Angels
| Creatures (6) 1 Angelheart Protector 1 Angelic Page 1 Attended Knight 1 Bishop of Wings 1 Emancipation Angel 1 Restoration Angel Artifacts (1) 1 Manalith Spells (5) 1 Angelic Purge 1 Angelsong 1 Answered Prayers 1 Divine Visitation 1 Entreat the Angels | Lands (8) 6 Plains 1 Castle Ardenvale 1 Thriving Heath |
The internal synergy uses cards like Angelsong, Angelheart Protector, and Angelic Page to defend or assist another creature in battle. Restoration Angel can swiftly save a non-Angel from our opponent’s targeted removal, and Emancipation Angel can swoop in and take her place so we can save another later. Bishop of Wings and Divine Visitation are here to keep our heavenly host full of harmonious voices, and Castle Ardenvale can continue to produce tokens if our good bishop is eliminated.
Complementary packs that we’ve seen so far include “Wassail!” which also produces tokens; and yesterday’s “Shepherds” pack, which gives us more humans and angels. The relatively mid-range mana curve here means that this mono-colored pack blends fairly easily—if not always synergistically—with any pack in the cube.
The other day, I included a video of a beautiful performance of a related dance. Today, I’m leaving you with a recording of the chant that was adapted hundreds of years ago for use in Christian worship from the words the angels spoke to the shepherds, often simply called “The Gloria.” This version is one of the most calming and meditative that I’ve come across—I hope it brings you some peace as well.
Jacob Torbeck is a researcher and instructor of theology and ethics. He hails from Chicago, IL, and loves playing Commander and pre-modern cubes.