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WHAT YOU’RE ABOUT TO read is the direct result of a three month expository Bible study and an eight year writing journey. Mankind has depicted angels for centuries, but seldom have these works and stories been built on a Biblical foundation. The sad fact is, we’re so indoctrinated to see angels a certain way, we’ve subconsciously accepted our human traditions as fact. We often think angels are serene, perfect beings; stoic, unflappable guardians; or the subject of figurines and trinkets. However, when we tune into what the Maker of angels revealed about them in His recorded Word—the Bible—, we’ll find that the truth about angels is stranger and far better than any of the culture’s fictions could dream.
When my eighteen year old self set out to create an angel story, I didn’t want to write it as the world would. I desired to honor the Lord by respecting the truths He already revealed to us. It meant ignoring manmade assumptions and regarding only the Scriptures for my creative decisions. It was an intense process. I expected to dispel some misconceptions. What I didn’t expect was my entire view of the heavenly hosts to be so drastically redefined and my intimacy with God to be so dramatically increased. Angels are not infallible, robotic creatures who question nothing. They’re created beings that were effected by sin’s curse same as us, and they too have failings, limits, and longings that also cry out for a new heaven and earth. Two worlds are broken: the visible and the invisible. God’s plan leads to both sides mended and healed through the power of the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
This has been my prayer for the past eight years. That Celestial will entertain, bless, and challenge others to rethink—to expand their understanding of God’s ways and His plans in accordance with His Word. For while my story is Biblically informed, Biblically complimentary, and highly plausible thanks to the information the Bible had given, this is still a fictional angel story. I encourage others to seek the Bible for ultimate answers on these matters for themselves. After all, Celestial is not really about the angels anyway. It’s about God and His gift of salvation, which He uniquely offers to mankind. Angels are the main characters, but it’s God’s character that’s meant to be on ultimate display.
So to those of you who don’t know Christ personally, I welcome you. I hope this book will be an enjoyable experience and perhaps give you a view of God that maybe you’ve never seen before. And to my brothers and sisters in Christ who are opening these pages, it is my sincerest wish that by ‘The End’ you’ll walk away with an enriched spiritual perspective and deepened appreciation for the gift of salvation you have. May Celestial encourage everyone to draw nearer and nearer to Jesus. Thank you.
- Hannah Mae