Lucifer peered over his balcony, brooding about the recent developments in Heaven. He looked at the angels walking about the city beneath him. Their forms shone different-colored auras, reflecting the holiness within, the mark of their Creator. His eyes fell directly below and he saw his own image on the golden street. He studied the form staring back at him from the mirror-like pathway.

It was little wonder that Lucifer's name came to mean "light bearer," the Star of the Morning, as he was without question one of the most glorious creatures in Heaven. Lucifer's hair was his crown, pouring over the back of his white cloak in a golden cascade. His eyes were steely blue-gray, and could be both hard and soft at the same time, a reflection of the keen intellect and self-assurance he possessed. Lucifer cut quite a majestic figure, and his majesty was never more apparent than when he was enrobed with his special garments for most holy occasions.

He turned and walked along the balcony, nodding now and then to an occasional angel who caught his eye passing on the street below. Looking over the balcony once more, he continued to ponder his image. It was only fitting that the Lord's chief angel of worship, he who created and led the praises of the Most High, should reflect so beautiful an image. Lucifer could not help but compare himself to the other angels who milled about below him. Truly the Lord had marked him for great things. And yet...

He turned his eyes toward the Great Mountain of the North, where the presence of the Living God reigned in eternal brilliance. All the paths of Heaven led to this glorious place and one could not go anywhere in the Kingdom without casting a shadow because of the radiance emanating forth. At times the light streamed down the mountain, cascading like a glowing river, spilling into the streets of the City itself as the angels basked in the glory of a Creator whose presence was so pervading. Lucifer could only look for a moment, a glance really, before he shielded his eyes from the spectacle. He turned away.

"My lord," came a voice from inside the house.

No response.

"My lord," repeated the voice. Lucifer turned to see his chief servant, Serus.

"Yes, Serus, what is it?" he asked.

"Michael is here to see you," replied Serus, who was a little uncomfortable at the announcement.

"Michael? Well now, that is something," said Lucifer as he made his way into the beautiful mansion. Michael had not come to call for some time. Lucifer glanced at his reflection in a small mirror.

"It wouldn't do to keep the archangel waiting," he said, satisfied with his appearance. "I will receive him immediately."

"Yes, my lord," said Serus.

Lucifer followed Serus through his vast house, which was richly endowed with beautifully crafted ornaments of gold, jewels and crystal. His taste for things of exquisite beauty was well known in the Kingdom. Colorful tapestries adorning the walls hailed the Lord in various motifs as "Glorious," "Victorious," "Righteous," "Holy," etc. Ornate mirrors of various shapes and sizes hung on the walls and the light from the North poured into the house, creating an ever-present illuminance.

The odor of flowers hung heavily in the house and beautiful flowers were also represented in various art forms. Serus made sure to fill the many vases with pungent blooms, and the extensive gardens in the rear teemed with delicate blossoms. Lilacs were a particular passion with Lucifer. He entered the audience chamber where Michael stood waiting.

"Brother Michael," Lucifer said as he glided into the room and grasped Michael's hands. "What a pleasant surprise!" They embraced each other. "Or is it Lord Michael, now?" He smiled.

"Just Michael, my dear brother," Michael said with good humor. "There is only one true Lord in Heaven."

"And a splendid arrangement at that," Lucifer agreed, looking at the powerful angel who had entered his house.

The archangel Michael commanded respect from the entire Host of Heaven. While Lucifer was a creature of unmatched beauty, Michael was a warrior of virtue, with tremendous strength. Powerfully built, he had long brown hair like a mane over his broad shoulders. His handsome features were accented by his eyes, which were deep green and piercing. Michael was the chief warrior angel and the captain of the Lord's Host. As such, he commanded a large and loyal contingent of angels dedicated to upholding the authority of God and carrying out His will.

Lucifer looked at the jewel-encrusted sword that hung from a golden sheath around Michael's waist. The sword was the insignia of his rank as an archangel; an honor recently conferred upon him by the Lord with great ceremony. Lucifer had arranged the service and this was the first occasion since that he and Michael had spoken.

"You've come so very far, my friend," said Lucifer, indicating the sword. "It must be a great honor to have so much authority vested in you."

"The Lord is gracious," agreed Michael. "His confidence in me is truly humbling. I only hope I can be half the servant that this represents." He patted the sword's handle at his side.

"Come now, Michael," said Lucifer, "of all the angels in Heaven who could possibly be better suited as archangel? Who? Maybe Serus here?" he said, pointing at the smaller angel. "That will be all for now, Serus."

Serus nodded and excused himself from the room, bowing as he went. Michael watched the little steward quietly shut the heavy chamber door as he exited the room.

"Well, actually that's why I am here," said Michael, a little disturbed with the way Lucifer had dismissed Serus. His sense of mission overcame this distraction and he went on. "In an official capacity, that is. I'm here to coordinate with you a ceremony for the installation of another archangel."

"Really? Another archangel?" said Lucifer, trying to contain his curiosity. "And so soon after your own pronouncement! To whom go the honors this time?"

"A friend to both of us. The Most High has decided that Gabriel shall stand in His presence with the full authority of Archangel, and will retain his responsibilities as Chief Messenger to the Kingdom! Isn't this a great honor for our brother?"

"Quite," agreed Lucifer. He looked up and drummed his chin with his fingers as if in deep thought about the service he must now orchestrate. "I shall have to make this a most memorable occasion for Gabriel. After all, how often does one become an archangel?" He paused. "Though it does seem rather commonplace with Him these days, doesn't it?"

Michael ignored Lucifer's casual use of "Him" in reference to the Most High.

"Let's go over the details," he said, quelling the uneasiness he felt brewing.

"Of course," said Lucifer.

He motioned to the other side of the room where a beautifully engraved conference table with high-backed chairs was set up. It was here that Lucifer met with his Council of Worship for the Most High. Michael approached the chair that Lucifer pulled out for him. His sword noisily scraped the massive leg at the end of the table.

"Sorry about that," Michael said, a little embarrassed. "I guess this will take some getting used to."

"Yes," said Lucifer, looking at the sword. "It will take some getting used to."

Michael was relieved when the meeting with Lucifer was finished. He didn't enjoy the fellowship with his brother angel as he once did. Something had changed in Lucifer's manner...but what was it? Michael pondered these things on his way to visit his friend Gabriel. As he walked, he mentally cataloged the person and position of Lucifer, trying to determine why he seemed so difficult of late.

Lucifer enjoyed one of the most prominent and seemingly rewarding posts in Heaven. He was chief lord over worship, a creative genius who could compose everything from a vastly sophisticated work with an angelic choir of thousands to simple praises of devotion that were utterly inspiring.

Not only that, he was the most attractive creature alive, and not just in outward appearance, though that was staggering. No, he possessed an inner beauty, a sacred presence difficult to describe. God had so created Lucifer that holy praise manifested from his very being, and one could not spend a length of time with him and not feel compelled to worship the Almighty. It was legend among the angels that to be with Lucifer was intoxicating, even enchanting, as one drank in the very nearness of God.

Michael certainly did not feel like worshiping as a result of today's meeting with Lucifer. Today he felt...was it tension? Resentment? Surely Lucifer, of all angels, was not jealous of the recent promotions of his old friends. His ministry allowed him access to the Eternal Throne, something reserved for only the Twenty-four Elders and a few select creatures. Lucifer's was a privileged position. As he neared Gabriel's house, Michael decided that he wouldn't make any hasty judgments about Lucifer until he consulted with his friend, but he was going to stay on top of the situation.

Since becoming a ruling angel, Michael felt that it was his duty to represent the Most High in all circumstances. Whether leading in examples of holiness and reverence to the Lord, or encouraging other angels in their tasks; or being on the alert for attitudes that reflected indifference or resentment to the Most High, Michael was diligent in his duties. His closest friends thought that he was a bit too diligent in his protective role and put it down to the zeal of a new appointment that would eventually fade away. But what many angels regarded as misguided enthusiasm, Michael considered honorable and reasonable service.

Michael was also without a doubt the Lord's most ardent and supportive angel. While all the angels held an allegiance to God, Michael was passionately loyal to Him and always had been--long before he was made an archangel. If other angels misunderstood his actions at times, that was all the more indication to Michael that they were not excelling for their King as they should be and that his actions might serve as motivation.

A commander by design, Michael longed for the times when the Lord would give him special services to perform, not so he could impress Him with his ability, but serve Him in humility. It was this passion for order in the Kingdom that stirred up his concern for Lucifer all the more. Gabriel's house was now in view. Perhaps together they could figure out a way to help their friend.

Lucifer walked around the room, dictating to Serus the details for the ceremony. He spoke at a fever pitch, concocting and creating so rapidly that Serus had trouble keeping up with him. Serus had learned rather unpleasantly about interrupting his master while he was composing and dared not ask him to slow down. Every so often Lucifer would pause and ask, "Are you getting that, Serus?" and then continue on as before.

When the moment arrived for the creation of the manuscript itself, Lucifer sat down at the end of the table and shut his eyes in deep meditation. After several moments of silence the faint sound of many instruments and voices poured forth from Lucifer, spilling out of him. The music seemed to come from the area just over his head but Serus was never sure, and too afraid to ask. The sound grew louder and louder until it reached a crescendo of joyous worship to the Lord, a holy presence filling the room.

When the music reached this dramatic moment, tiny crystals of light, like thousands of shimmering diamonds, appeared in front of Lucifer, dancing and swirling around like sparks from a roaring fire. Serus watched as these beads of light pulsed with the music, creating a dazzling whirlpool that joined to form a glowing, pulsing sphere, which lit up the entire room. The light was so intense and the music so deafening now that Serus could scarcely remain in the room.

Louder...LOUDER...

Suddenly, all was quiet.

Serus waited a moment or two, quietly surveying the scene, and then unwrapped a large golden scroll that he had secured earlier. He placed the scroll on the table directly beneath the sphere of light that was hovering in front of Lucifer. He then stepped back a few paces as a single white beam shot out of the ball (or praise sphere as Lucifer called it) and began writing on the scroll as one would write on a tablet. As the scroll became more and more marked upon with the strange musical notations, the ball of light grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared completely.

Lucifer remained seated for several moments, his eyes closed, his hands folded in front of him. An exhaustion always set in after one of these creative episodes and it took a little time for him to recover his strength. Serus, meanwhile, rolled the scroll up and placed it in a long golden container, along with some other notes for the ceremony. It felt warm.

Finally Lucifer looked up and said, "Take that over to the Council with my compliments. Tell them the details for the installation of Gabriel as archangel are complete. And tell them that, as usual, I am most honored to be of service to the Most High in any matter."

"Right away, excellency," replied Serus.

"And then come back immediately," said Lucifer. "I have another task for you."

"As you command," said Serus.

Copyright © 2002 by Doug Shafer