Michaelmas: The Battle, the Angels, and the Victory



Every year at the end of September, the Church celebrates Michaelmas—the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. It’s one of those days that often slips past unnoticed, but it carries a powerful reminder: we are not alone. Our faith is not just a quiet, private matter. It is part of a much larger story—the worship of heaven, the ministry of angels, and the cosmic victory of Christ.

The readings for Michaelmas are vivid. In Revelation 12 we hear:

> “War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.”

It sounds like a scene out of a fantasy novel. Angels clashing with a dragon. The devil being cast down. But this vision is more than heavenly drama. It’s an allegory for our own lives.

The Battle is Real
The dragon represents all that resists God: pride, envy, despair, bitterness. The serpent’s whispers sound familiar: “You are not loved. God is not good. You’re on your own.”

And then there is Michael, whose very name means “Who is like God?” Michael is the faithful soul, the part of us that holds fast to truth. His cry is a rebuke to the dragon: “No one is greater than the Lord.”

That battle in heaven is also the battle in the heart. Every day, temptations rise up. Every day, discouragement tries to drag us down. And every day, God whispers courage through Michael: “Who is like God?”

Angels in Our Midst

Psalm 103 says:

> “Bless the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding.”

In Scripture, angels are messengers and protectors. They guard, guide, and strengthen. Allegorically, angels also represent the small ways God reaches us even now:

a word of encouragement that comes at just the right time, an unexpected act of kindness, the quiet nudge of conscience when we need direction.

Think of these as “angelic moments”—reminders that heaven is not far away, and God has not left us to fight alone.

The Victory is Already Won
Revelation tells us that the dragon is defeated “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

This is the core of Michaelmas: Christ has already won. The angels may battle, but the decisive victory is through the cross and resurrection. Evil still rages, but its power is broken.

In John 1, Jesus tells Nathanael:

> “You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Christ Himself is the ladder between heaven and earth. He is the center. The angels serve Him, and so do we.

Living the Allegory
So what does Michaelmas mean for us?

Courage: The battle is real, but Christ’s victory is sure.

Humility: Michael’s cry—“Who is like God?”—is a reminder not to trust in ourselves, but in Him alone.

Worship: Every time we gather at the Eucharist, we join the angels’ ceaseless praise: “Holy, holy, holy.”

Your life is part of this bigger story. The dragon may roar, but it has already been cast down. Angels surround you. Christ reigns.

A Final Word
Michaelmas always comes as the days grow shorter and the nights longer. It’s no accident. The Church places this feast right at the edge of the darkening year as a reminder: no matter how deep the shadows, the light of Christ shines, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

So take courage. You walk with angels. You walk in the victory of Christ.

👉 What does Michaelmas mean to you? Have you ever had an “angelic moment” when you felt God’s presence through someone else? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your stories.

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