"Shepherds living out in the fields nearby were keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:8-9
The shepherds were minding their own business caring for the sheep on a
peaceful night out in the fields. Suddenly they are blinded by your glory!.....”the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Whenever your great glory suddenly shines into our lives, we hide our faces in terror. Scripture always describes your glory, your presence, as a great light. It must be like suddenly starring into the sun!
peaceful night out in the fields. Suddenly they are blinded by your glory!.....”the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Whenever your great glory suddenly shines into our lives, we hide our faces in terror. Scripture always describes your glory, your presence, as a great light. It must be like suddenly starring into the sun!
Why shepherds? Because they symbolize what Jesus would be.....the Good Shepherd? Or do they symbolize that Jesus came for all men, no matter who they are? Or were they just handy? Simple men living out simple everyday lives.....suddenly scared out of their wits by blinding light and angel voices!
It certainly must have made a lasting impact on them.....a story they would tell for the rest of their lives. Ahhhh! That helps explain things.....Jesus is the story we should all tell for the rest of our lives, so what better way to first announce his birth. Being terrified certainly is a good way to insure remembrance.
A little baby in a manager would attract little attention on his own. Now that you have the shepherds full attention, the story can begin to unfold for the salvation of mankind. Please, Heavenly Father, blind me with your glory and get my attention that I might also hear the Good News and tell others. Shine into the lives of all mankind this Christmas and touch hearts anew and bring us peace. “Shine, Jesus, Shine!”
*******
WATCHING
Shepherds waiting on the hillside,
resting and watching the sheep in their care,
Never dreaming that they would be chosen
to first hear the message the angels would share.
Not kings and princes, not scribes or rich men,
just simple poor men alone in the night,
Chosen to hear the Good News sent to all men---
the Babe has been born to bring all men Light!
We too, are chosen to hear of the Savior.
No matter who or where we are.
God's message is there to be spread to the nations---
We too are chosen to follow His star.
God incarnate born in a manger,
God's great Word, lies in the stall!
Wait! and listen-----the angels are speaking----
"Peace on earth", good news for all!
(Mary Freeman 12-1997)
No comments:
Post a Comment