December 25, 2012

Luke 2:8-20

            "In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."

 

            Finally, Christmas is here!  With joy, wonder, and awe, we celebrate the gift of all gifts, Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Lord and Savior! Today we join with the angelic chorus and sing "Glory to God in the highest!"  It was a glorious message the angel delivered to the shepherds. Even with all of our technologically enhanced methods of communication, nothing can compare to a message from an angel sent from God who proclaimed the most wonderful news that has ever been relayed:  "I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." And if that weren't enough, a host of angels soon joined in the celebration and filled the sky with their heavenly refrain. 

            Upon receiving this glorious news, the shepherds made haste and rushed to Bethlehem where they found the holy family just as the angel had told them.  Upon leaving the manger, the shepherds gave glory and praise to God for all they had seen and heard.

            As we celebrate Christmas today, let us make sure to pause and listen again for the message of the angel, that we, like the shepherds, may give glory and praise to God for all that we have seen and heard.  Merry Christmas!

 

Prayer:

            We praise you, O God, for the gift of your Son, whom you sent to save us. Give us, this day, O Lord, a spirit of joy and wonder that we may join with the angelic chorus and sing to the glory of your holy name.  Amen.