Rev. Cliff Ritter

Luke 2:8-12 (NRSV)
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 

Reflection:
“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.”  These may be the most impactful words spoken in the entire Christmas narrative.  It is both announcement and pronouncement in one brief interlude.  Words destined to change the world.  Words crafted at the altar of grace for the purpose of touching the heart of all humanity. 

In the King James, they are prefaced by a simple proclamation, “Behold!”  It is as if the entire creation has come to a screeching halt, the skies are parted, the rush of waters cease, and the universe holds its breath.  Look at this miracle of miracles!  See the beauty of God in flesh.  Short of the first verse of scripture, when God created the heavens and the earth, nothing more transformational has or will happen in all of time. 

The Messiah breaks through time and space to be born of a virgin.  The one destined to save the world takes his first breath at the bosom of an ordinary girl.  And, the angels shout praises to God in heaven.  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (vs. 14)

Only one emotion captures the moment: Breathtaking joy! The chorus of angels could not contain themselves.  They break out in an epiphany of praise.  There is a gathering of heavenly beings, looking on with divine approval.  But, the shepherds were greatly afraid. 

We are most like them, the shepherds in the field.  When God breaks into our lives, our first reaction is often fear.  Our fear is often followed closely by uncertainty and doubt.  Sometimes we need an angelic voice to assure us, “Do not be afraid.” We need to realize we are part of the chorus of the heavenly hosts, giving God all glory and praise. 

We pray for such an encounter with God.  Perhaps the Christmas story is our collective reminder that world-shattering change comes in the most subtle and vulnerable packages.  It takes courage to go looking for what God is doing in our midst.  Because it is never what we expect.  But, when we find a revelation of Godself, there is one response we share with all the world: breathtaking, life-altering, heart-stopping, overwhelming Joy!

Prayer:
Gracious God, fill our lives with a joy that defies explanation.  Let our hearts be overwhelmed with delight.  Bring our spirits to a place of exhilaration and praise.  We anticipate our celebration of the Christ child once again.  Let this Season be a not so gentle reminder for us to seek you in places that are obvious, and in places that cause us to scratch our heads in wonder.  Reveal yourself to us in new ways, that we may know the joy of the Lord once again.  Amen.