Monday, December 6, 2010

TIDINGS OF JOY

THE SHEPHERDS

Read Luke 2:8–20
     "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:10–11 NKJV
* * *
     Exhausted but happy, Joseph wraps his newborn babe in swaddling clothes and lays him at Mary's side. They are alone, in the city of their birth, but not their home. Only the sounds of nearby animals disturb their quiet conversation. What will life be like with this child of God? Soon they will be able to consummate their marriage and build a family together.
     Meanwhile, out in the nearby fields, a lowly group of shepherds are in for a big surprise. Suddenly an angel appears in the night sky surrounded by the glory of the Lord. He announces, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (2:11)  Lonely quiet places - this stable - those fields - where all of history would be changed. Even today we date our lives from this event.
* * *
     Lord, help me to value the lonely, quiet moments of my life. They are so few and yet so valuable. Speak to my heart this morning with words of peace. Like Mary, I truly desire to understand Your ways and ponder them in my heart.
* * *
     "All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."    Luke 2:18-19 NKJV

No comments: