December 24
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them and they were terrified. Luke 2:9
The night was unusually quiet and cold out in the fields away from the bustling city of Bethlehem. It was also strangely dark, except for that one, odd, bright star shining from the North that created quite a stir among the shepherds, huddled close to their flock for warmth. Their murmured conversation was interrupted only by the occasional bleating of their lambs – restless and needing assurance that all was well. But there was an uneasiness the shepherds were feeling also . . . a sense that something was about to happen, yet it was just a feeling . . . perhaps with the crowds in Bethlehem, registering for the census, and all the stragglers passing through, it was just heightened concern for the safety of their flock and themselves . . .
Then out of nowhere it happened! Suddenly, light exploded all around them! It’s hues of every color shattered the very air they breathed! It flowed through them and surrounded them as they fell to the ground in absolute terror, shielding their eyes from the intense brightness as they did so. There was no comprehension of what was happening! But instantly, illuminated within this light, an angel of God appeared right before them! Then, as they shrunk back away from this blinding brightness in a state of panic, they heard the angel speak. His soothing, yet powerful voice calmed and reassured them that they had nothing to fear and told them he had been sent by God to deliver the wondrous message of Christ’s birth. God’s son had come to earth! What had been prophesied had come to pass . . . and they knew. Immediately the shepherds responded to this blessed announcement, this gift, this personal invitation by God to find their way to the Christ Child. Quickly they prepared to follow his directions and the beam of light before them.
For a brief moment in time the world is hushed. No problems exist. No strife shatters peace. No discord echoes throughout the universe. Suffering does not exist. Only love. The birth of the Christ Child touches our hearts, our spirits, our very being with a gentle, intense love that permeates our souls and fills our spirits with hope in tomorrow. As we look to this precious child surrounded by angles, this child lying in a manger kept warm by animals and illuminating that cold, once dark place; this child whose life ahead we already know, whose passion and death we experience; this child who sacrificed his life for us that we may live eternally with God - we begin to recognize the meaning of the angels presence. As God’s messengers, they are our guardians leading us all toward his light. Like the shepherds, we are directed toward the child, toward innocence and simplicity, toward the sacredness of this new life, and we are one with it and filled with awe. Like the shepherds we are given a personal invitation to find our way to the Christ Child. Can you see that heavenly light guiding our way? Are you ready to follow it?
Lord, like the shepherds lead by your angels, may we reply to your invitation and find our way to the Christ Child.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them and they were terrified. Luke 2:9
The night was unusually quiet and cold out in the fields away from the bustling city of Bethlehem. It was also strangely dark, except for that one, odd, bright star shining from the North that created quite a stir among the shepherds, huddled close to their flock for warmth. Their murmured conversation was interrupted only by the occasional bleating of their lambs – restless and needing assurance that all was well. But there was an uneasiness the shepherds were feeling also . . . a sense that something was about to happen, yet it was just a feeling . . . perhaps with the crowds in Bethlehem, registering for the census, and all the stragglers passing through, it was just heightened concern for the safety of their flock and themselves . . .
Then out of nowhere it happened! Suddenly, light exploded all around them! It’s hues of every color shattered the very air they breathed! It flowed through them and surrounded them as they fell to the ground in absolute terror, shielding their eyes from the intense brightness as they did so. There was no comprehension of what was happening! But instantly, illuminated within this light, an angel of God appeared right before them! Then, as they shrunk back away from this blinding brightness in a state of panic, they heard the angel speak. His soothing, yet powerful voice calmed and reassured them that they had nothing to fear and told them he had been sent by God to deliver the wondrous message of Christ’s birth. God’s son had come to earth! What had been prophesied had come to pass . . . and they knew. Immediately the shepherds responded to this blessed announcement, this gift, this personal invitation by God to find their way to the Christ Child. Quickly they prepared to follow his directions and the beam of light before them.
For a brief moment in time the world is hushed. No problems exist. No strife shatters peace. No discord echoes throughout the universe. Suffering does not exist. Only love. The birth of the Christ Child touches our hearts, our spirits, our very being with a gentle, intense love that permeates our souls and fills our spirits with hope in tomorrow. As we look to this precious child surrounded by angles, this child lying in a manger kept warm by animals and illuminating that cold, once dark place; this child whose life ahead we already know, whose passion and death we experience; this child who sacrificed his life for us that we may live eternally with God - we begin to recognize the meaning of the angels presence. As God’s messengers, they are our guardians leading us all toward his light. Like the shepherds, we are directed toward the child, toward innocence and simplicity, toward the sacredness of this new life, and we are one with it and filled with awe. Like the shepherds we are given a personal invitation to find our way to the Christ Child. Can you see that heavenly light guiding our way? Are you ready to follow it?
Lord, like the shepherds lead by your angels, may we reply to your invitation and find our way to the Christ Child.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson