She Reads Truth: EmmanuelSample

The Shepherds Go to the Manger

Reflection

Imagine you are a shepherd, you’re caring for your flock by the light of the moon. Imagine you are a shepherd and, suddenly, you’re visited by an angel and surrounded by the glory of the Lord. Imagine you hear the angel telling you that a very important baby King has been born. And, as the angel leaves, you and your shepherd friends decide to seek this King out. Imagine you are there, you are in the stable with Mary and Joseph. What do you see? Look around. Do you wonder how a King could be born in such a lowly place? Are you comforted that the King of Kings is not in accommodations far superior to yours? You see that worn out mama, bending low to her baby boy. You have words for her about her sweet Son, words spoken to you by the angel of God. You whisper them to her, and she stores them up just for herself.

You, a lowly shepherd, responsible for a flock of sheep, have just encountered the living, breathing, baby boy God on Earth.

How does life return to normal for you?

And really, how does life return to normal after an encounter with Jesus?

Verse 20 says that they praised and glorified God for all they had heard and seen, and I wonder if that is true of us?

When we encounter Jesus, are we full of praise and glory for God?

Prayer

A Christmas Prayer, from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Advent Action

As the shepherds came empty handed but awed, let us bow down and worship only to rise from our knees to go and share the wondrous things we have seen and heard. Visit a nursing home or hospital, participate in serving Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter, invite those without family in your community to your table for a Christmas meal. There are plenty of hearts who need to hear the good news of the gospel today. To quote St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."

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