Previous Reflections
REFLECTIONS
December 24th, 2021When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Luke 2:17-18Curious Shepherds
Crisp clear nights were not unusual, but something felt special about this one. The sky had never been clearer or the air calmer. The stars performed a ballet in the sky without disturbing the quiet of the night. Then the quiet awakened into brightness and a heavenly voice announced, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)
A swell of heavenly hosts began to sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14 NASU) The shepherds huddled in awe, struck by the message they heard and the Scripture it recalled:
“But you, Bethlehem… out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God… And he will be their peace. (Micah 5:2, 4)
Quiet returned, but the message aroused their curiosity. “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (Luke 2:15-16)
Little could they believe that the newborn King, foretold so long ago, would be born in such a lowly place. Though he was only a baby, they adored him, they worshiped him, then, When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:17-18)
How exciting it must have been spreading the word! Lowly shepherds became heralds of the Good News. They had no idea how many other lives they would touch; and isn’t it possible that their message made it possible for us to know the full story of God’s birth into the world.
Now, as we celebrate Jesus’ glorious birth, we are called to become heralds too. We will find joy in spreading the word no matter how lowly our positions may be. Those who hear it will be amazed by what we tell them, for the story we tell brings forth the true joy of Christmas.
And we have no idea how many other lives may be touched by it.
Merry Christmas
You are the light of the world,
Richard +
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