Advent 19th December

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David’s hometown a Saviour was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.”  Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who please God.” Luke 2:8-14

Readings:

Isaiah 49:8-13, 

Psalm 134, 

Luke 2:8-14

Reflection

We can be sure of one thing: these shepherds would never, ever in their whole lives forget this night. What strong emotions experienced all in one single  night! We rarely forget a night when we were “terribly frightened.” We all remember someone playing a joke on us, scaring us at night. But this for the shepherds  - this was something else—nothing ever happened to a shepherd. Their lives were boring—as boring as can be—but no more for when an angel appeared things would never be the same again. When joined by a multitude  of the heavenly host the shepherds would certainly have an unforgettable image in their souls. Yet none of this, however, could compare with what the shepherds experienced when they came to Bethlehem, found their way to Mary and Joseph, and saw the baby Jesus lying in the manger. This most captivating nativity scene was now imprinted upon the souls of the shepherds. Though we did not witness the scene, though we were not present, the Christmas night can become a reality in the lives of all who believe in Jesus. Like the shepherds many years ago, we can glorify and praise God for all that we have heard and seen, “just as [has been] told.”

 

Prayer 

 

Come, Lord Jesus! Come!. 

Abide in me, dwell with me, as I continue my journey through this Advent season by the presence of your Holy Spirit. 

Open my eyes that I might see you, my ears that I might hear you, my heart, home, church and life that I might welcome you, the Word made Flesh, until at last all your good purposes for me are completely fulfilled.  

Amen