Final answer:
Angels are defined in Christian belief as divine beings who act as messengers and servants of God. They are commonly illustrated as humans with wings and may carry symbolic objects, differentiating them from mythological creatures and gods.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Christian belief, angels are divine beings who serve God. As described in Christian theology, they are messengers of God and are conventionally represented in human form with wings. The term 'angel' itself comes from the Greek word 'angelos', which translates to 'messenger'.
Angels are integral to many Biblical stories and themes, often depicted trying to bridge the gap between heaven and humanity, as in the case where they reach below the barrier separating them from prophets. In Christian art, angels can be identified by their distinctive wings and sometimes hold symbols of power, such as orbs adorned with a cross, representing the triumph of Christianity.
In contrast to mythological creatures, angels in Christianity are not part of nature like humans or animals; they are supernatural beings. While gods in various religious traditions possess immense power and often interact with humans, angels are different in that they are seen as agents of the one supreme God, executing His will. However, they can possess human-like qualities that make them relatable to people.