An Ordinary Night

 

     It was an ordinary, quiet night for the shepherds; leading their flocks through the mountain fields, tending to their needs, keeping them safe. There was nothing unusual at all, until the heavens opened up around them, that is. I will let the beautiful words of Scripture remind you of the familiar story.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, 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. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2: 8-14

     I love this! God chose Mary and Joseph, an ordinary couple from humble homes. Now He opens up the heavens with a host of angels praising God to a group of shepherds. What did they do? Just like the wise men, they went to find the baby. And when they found Him, when they understood, what did they do next?

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

     Something about meeting Jesus makes us want to talk about Him. We cannot help but speak of all we have seen and heard. (See Acts 4:20) Have you amazed anyone lately with stories about Jesus? Filling up on His glory, recognizing the heavenly hosts surrounding us with protection and sustenance, finds us unable to keep it to ourselves. This kind of news needs to be shared.

     And for all of us who have encountered the Savior, one day the heavens will open up for us and we will witness the heavenly host of angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest.” And we will be singing and shouting right along with them.

Dear Father in heaven,

Thank you for showing Yourself to ordinary folks like us. Your glory is beyond anything we can imagine and one day we will be in the midst of it. One day that will last forever. Each day of our lives is precious on this earth. Let us make the most of them, as we speak of the Good News. A child is born in the city of Bethlehem. He is the Messiah, the Lord, the Christ.

Amen