A celebration of angels – the 9th day of Christmas

Nine Ladies Dancing

The old carol, the 12 Days of Christmas, was written in a cryptic way to aid the memory in recalling different points of the faith. My favorite thing to recall on this day is the nine choirs of angels!

Of course, the archangels and guardian angels get a lot of attention, but there are other special angels that we should learn about and acknowledge.

The nine thrones of angels.

The first three groups of angels serve directly at the throne of God. They worship him and directly follow his will with interesting jobs from guarding the gates of Eden to rushing into battle!

1. Seraphim

Seraphim serve at the throne of God and sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” They are six-winged and are mentioned in the book of Isaiah chapter 6. It was one of these Seraphim that touched the lips of Isaiah with hot coal.

2. Cherubim

Cherubim protect God’s glory in heaven and earth. They are guardians and protectors. Cherubim guarded the entrance to Eden. They were also placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Thrones

Thrones also serve at the throne of God in heaven. They are like elders, delivering God’s judgement. They are mentioned in 1 Colossians.

For in him all things were created: Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rules or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Angels of order

The next three groups of angels are concerned with keeping the order of creation.

4. Dominations

Dominations are leaders. They assign tasks and missions. They are said to look human and are distinguished with crowns or holding orbs or swords.

5. Virtues

The Virtues or Strongholds have power over the elements and do God’s bidding.

6. Powers

These are the angels you call on to fight against evil spirits. They maintain order between heaven and earth.

7. Principalities

Does your church, organization, club, city, state, country need protection from the much-deserved wrath of God? These are the angels assigned as the protecors of every kingdom and province.

8. Archangels.

These are the angels we are probably most familiar with. We even have a combined big feast day for Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael in the fall.

9. Angels

I guess it says something that our guardian angels come from this lowest class of angels. But what do you call the student that graduates last from medical school? – Doctor!

And so it is with these angels. They may be last but not least and we should be so honored that they look after us during our time on earth.

336 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.²⁰² “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.”²⁰³ Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

Catechism Catholic Church

We also remember the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit

• Love  
• joy 
• peace 
• patience 
• kindness 
• generosity
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness 
• self-control