What a night! A blessed night. If you’re like me, you read these words and pictured a certain Christmas pageant from years gone by telling of the Christmas story. Maybe you even took part as an angel or shepherd. Sadly, the church I went to as a child didn’t do a nativity play. There wasn’t the anticipation each year of who will get to play Mary or an angel, etc.
When I was children’s ministry director, I made sure there was Christmas play each year, and that the story of Christ’s birth was central. So many programs written for kids these days are about snowflakes or presents or other more “holiday” type themes.
Early memories of Christ’s birth should be available to all, and it’s those recollections that can often make this time of year extra special. Seeing the wonder of the miracle of Christmas through the eyes of a child when they really “get it” is priceless.
The story is familiar. Is it too familiar? Have you ever asked, why the shepherds? Why did God choose to send his angels to tell them first? Shepherds were the lower class citizens of the day, yet hard workers and very important to those with herds of sheep. Why not the priests? The priests were at least expecting a savior. They knew he was coming to Bethlehem, according to what the Scriptures taught.
Ponder that a moment.
Think of how the shepherds responded. I think we have our answer why God chose them. They didn’t question. They went. They saw. They told.
Read today’s passage again. Place yourself among the shepherds. Close your eyes. Feel the awe. Sense the immensity of the moment. Tell everyone you know about this great blessing. Give all praise and glory to God.
Let’s pray. Father I am overcome with emotion. You have broken the boundaries between heaven and earth. You have revealed yourself to us in a powerful way. All so you could show us how much you love us. You wanted to experience life as one of us and made that happen. You are so good. May I take these reflections and hold them dear in my heart as Mary treasured all that you had given her. May I be bold like the shepherds and spread your message of hope to the world. Thank you for your love, your sacrifice, your Son. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
