December 21, 2016 – Luke 2:8-10

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:8-10Such familiar words, and yet, each time I read, I find more understanding.  The lowly shepherds guarding sheep. I never noticed  the words suddenly…an angel of the Lord appeared.  The glory of the Lord was among them.The shepherds were always alert to danger threatening the sheep.  But this light was a different matter.  The night, ablaze with a brighter glory-light than the sun, surrounded the shepherds.  Remembering all the paintings depicting angels, they kept their distance from the shepherds.  These shepherds were surrounded by the radiance of God’s Glory.Can you imagine the terror of the shepherds when this light interrupted their lives?  “Don’t be afraid!” Still listening, the shepherds wondered what the message would be.  In a brief time and a few words, the message came.  The Who, the Where, and the Recognition.  And they left to go see this Baby, not in a castle, but lying in a manger in a stable.  The Savior, the Messiah, the Lord born in the city of David.And I wonder, would I have gone to find the Baby, the Messiah, the Lord?  Would I have recognized a baby born so humbly?  Would I have worshiped Him, this little one?  That question changed to, Do I recognize this Son of God now, born to die for my sins?  I see, in my heart, a shadow of a cross hovering like a shadow over the manger and realize how much this Baby Jesus loves me and you!  There is no end to his love!