O Holy Night
“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a saviour has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Luke 2:8-11
Notice how each time there is big news God prefaces the encounter with “do not be afraid?” I feel that there is something to this that applies across time, cultures and peoples. How fear keeps us on so many levels away from a true union with God. God knows how truly awe some this all is. God knows that it will be hard for us to process. God says in essence, “hey I know this doesn’t make sense now, but you have to trust me.” Our question in the here and now is, are we going to have the courage of the wise men and the humility of the shepherds to go and greet our saviour? Have we taken this preparation time to make ready our hearts and create a new home in which Christ can dwell? This has been our journey, but it isn’t over. Let’s move through to the Epiphany because even though the stores are going to sell off their Christmas inventory, we are just beginning to take inventory of what we have gained in our preparation. Stay with me, Christmas has just begun!
