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. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
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.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Luke 1:8-20 NLT
The Gift of Glory
The shepherds were so intrigued by the angelic announcement that they abandoned their sheep and went to see the Christ child. As they made their way into Bethlehem, they noticed a bright star lighting the dark streets. It was as if a spotlight illuminated the place where the baby lay sleeping.
The village was still. They saw their own breath hang in the cold night air. Drawn by the beam from Heaven, they instinctively headed towards the barn. There was no one around, and they arrived first. Funny, they were usually the last to hear any news from their community.
The dusty boys slowly approached the stable where a warm light glowed. They stood silently and ever so slowly. Joseph looked up and greeted them kindly. “We have come to worship a Child,” one of the boys explained. Another added, “Angels told us about His birth while we were in the field.” And the third asked, “Is this the Messiah we have all waited for?” They held their breath for Joseph’s reply. Joseph and Mary exchanged a knowing glance. “God has revealed this news to you. Come in and see the King.”
They knelt in silence, gazing at the tiny baby. It was more than bowing out of reverence. Now in His presence they suddenly lay prostrate at the sight of God. Breathless shepherds worshipping in awe and wonder. Both new mom and dad looked lovingly on the scene and knew in their hearts the special favor of God and His holiness. The glory of God silently fell on the stable.
Tears of joy and peace flowed down the shepherds’ rugged cheeks and praise welled up in everyone’s hearts, so much so that they could not contain it. It overflowed from their chapped lips, with ever-increasing waves of joy. Heaven and earth were in agreement! As "Hallelujah" shouted from Heaven and worshiping voices came from the earth, praises exchanged loudly and each chorus resounded as the angels joined in.
“Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth, good will toward men.” Were they the same rugged outcasts who watched sheep earlier that night? No, these men had seen and touched the face of God. They were forever changed.
Advent reflection: Worshipping is releasing to receive God’s presence. Imagine touching His face and seeing His smile. Touch His glory, you will be forever changed.
The shepherds were so intrigued by the angelic announcement that they abandoned their sheep and went to see the Christ child. As they made their way into Bethlehem, they noticed a bright star lighting the dark streets. It was as if a spotlight illuminated the place where the baby lay sleeping.
The village was still. They saw their own breath hang in the cold night air. Drawn by the beam from Heaven, they instinctively headed towards the barn. There was no one around, and they arrived first. Funny, they were usually the last to hear any news from their community.
The dusty boys slowly approached the stable where a warm light glowed. They stood silently and ever so slowly. Joseph looked up and greeted them kindly. “We have come to worship a Child,” one of the boys explained. Another added, “Angels told us about His birth while we were in the field.” And the third asked, “Is this the Messiah we have all waited for?” They held their breath for Joseph’s reply. Joseph and Mary exchanged a knowing glance. “God has revealed this news to you. Come in and see the King.”
They knelt in silence, gazing at the tiny baby. It was more than bowing out of reverence. Now in His presence they suddenly lay prostrate at the sight of God. Breathless shepherds worshipping in awe and wonder. Both new mom and dad looked lovingly on the scene and knew in their hearts the special favor of God and His holiness. The glory of God silently fell on the stable.
Tears of joy and peace flowed down the shepherds’ rugged cheeks and praise welled up in everyone’s hearts, so much so that they could not contain it. It overflowed from their chapped lips, with ever-increasing waves of joy. Heaven and earth were in agreement! As "Hallelujah" shouted from Heaven and worshiping voices came from the earth, praises exchanged loudly and each chorus resounded as the angels joined in.
“Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth, good will toward men.” Were they the same rugged outcasts who watched sheep earlier that night? No, these men had seen and touched the face of God. They were forever changed.
Advent reflection: Worshipping is releasing to receive God’s presence. Imagine touching His face and seeing His smile. Touch His glory, you will be forever changed.
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Prayer:
Father,
How wondrous that night must have been! We can only imagine and yet it's overwhelming - the Glory of God Incarnate! Birth within us a fresh desire and anointing to seek Your face, to be in Your presence. Show us Your Glory, O Lord, so that we are forever changed. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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