Today’s gospel is from Matthew and has an interesting verse: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” How should we understand these words? A good place to start is the immediate context.
On the whole, Matthew 18 is a discourse about humility, care for the “little ones,” and reconciliation within the community of believers. In verses 1–5, Jesus identifies “the greatest” in the kingdom as one who humbles themselves like a child. Verses 6–9 warn against causing these “little ones” to stumble.
This raises an intermediate question: how are we to take the meaning of “little ones”? The options are likely either literal children, who exemplify trust and dependence or spiritually humble disciples, who, like children, rely on God. Most scripture scholars offer that Matthew intends both senses—beginning with literal children, then broadening to include all vulnerable believers. Verse 10, then, is a direct call not to despise (Greek: kataphronēsēte, meaning “look down upon, treat with contempt”) the humble or vulnerable believers symbolized by children.
The most discussed part of the verse is “their angels in heaven.”
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Stores, offices, and all kinds of places are filled with the sound of familiar and heartening Christmas carols. Some local radio stations are all Christmas music all the time with classic and modern renditions of the secular and religious carols and songs – sometimes as recorded by singing chipmunks. It becomes part of the ambiance of our Advent season; part of what readies us for the celebration of Christmas. 
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