The Wednesday Word 12.14.2022

 

Luke 2:8-16 New Living Translation

“8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.”

Working the night shift out in the middle of nowhere with the sheep and a few close friends, when all of a sudden it’s like an alien invasion. Light, the likes of which you have never seen, illuminates the whole area and there is something so different about it. It has an other-worldliness that tells you this is not just bright light. Then comes the voice from the light. Then all the voices join the chorus. How would you react? I believe I would have dived behind the closest rock!

Are we that far removed from our faith in the modern day? Have we compartmentalized our worship to the point we don’t see what goes on around us? Would we know what was happening if the time of angelic visitations returned? Has it ever gone? Maybe heavenly messengers still visit us but we’re too busy, too self-involved to see them. Maybe we need to slow down and open our hearts and minds to the message of the Savior coming to walk with us. This is the very best time of year to try…something to pray about.

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.



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