From 1994 to 2003, CBS's Touched By an Angel graced our televisions with that rare thing found in media these days—messages of hope. Before there was Survivor or America's Next Top Model or anyone named Simon Cowell mouthing off, there were Monica, Tess, and Andrew. TV seemed simpler back then, and this show was one reason why.

Northern Irish actress Roma Downey plays Monica, an angel sent by God on earthly assignments to bring hope and comfort to people during important moments in their lives. She is supported by her heavenly "supervisor" Tess (Della Reese) and the nicest Angel of Death you'll ever meet, Andrew (John Dye). Touched By an Angel features inspirational story lines, confronting life's most difficult moments head on. The show is based on the premise that God loves us and wants to be a presence in our lives. The Lord is mentioned all the time in episodes, making it one of the most Godly shows ever produced for television. Indeed, Touched By an Angel broke new ground for secular programming, boldly proclaiming spiritual truths without hesitation. Of course, it did not go as far as discussing Jesus Christ, but it went as far as it could on its other strengths.

From 2004 to 2007, the first four seasons of Touched By an Angel were released on DVD. Now, in 2009, two volumes of an Inspiration Collection highlighting exceptional or popular episodes has arrived. The first is a Holiday collection, with episodes of the angels at their best, including "Fear Not" (guest starring Randy Travis), "An Angel on the Roof", and "The Feather." It seemed only fitting that at Christmastime, the angels would bring their message of faith, hope, and love to people who needed it the most.

The second volume to be released in the Inspiration Collection is the Hope collection, highlighting another four classic episodes of the show, including "Psalm 151" (guest starring Wynonna Judd and Celine Dion), "Black Like Monica" (with special guest John Ritter), and "Netherlands" (with eventual show regular Valerie Bertinelli).

Each episode is introduced by executive producer Martha Williamson, who shares insights into her favorite episodes and some of the backstage miracles that brought cast and crew together during the show's nine-season run. In times like ours, hope is something we can all appreciate, and these collections deliver a healthy dose of it.

If you are getting too used to expecting scandal, exploitation, violence, or materialism every time you turn on the tube, reach for one of these and experience something heavenly!

For the latest in Touched By an Angel news and stories, visit www.touched.com.