Surprised by the Light: The Shepherd's Story

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Have you been floundering in the dark lately? Or maybe you're not aware your light has dimmed. Maybe, you are just living life as it comes, but underneath, are realizing there is something more.

I believe that's the way the shepherds felt over 2,000 years ago on the night Jesus was born. Since this is the Christmas season, I want to share a portion of my Christmas Musings written in 2012. For another character sketch in this series, here is the link for the Magi's story. I hope you are blessed by my interpretation of what happened many centuries ago and many miles away. How would you have responded that night?

While Mary wondered over this miracle of God lying in her arms, the shepherds stood guard in the fields below Bethlehem, watching their flocks that night. Nothing extraordinary happened to shepherds. Nothing. Day after day, night after night, the same old routine. Out to pasture. Then, in to the folds for safety at night. Listening for the cry of a lost or wounded sheep. Alert to a wolf on the prowl. No matter the day or season, the days were predictable and unremarkable. But, not this night. No, not tonight.

Gazing at the night sky, as they were wont to do, the shepherds noticed a dot of light growing in size and brilliance. They called out to one another as it soon became apparent that this was no ordinary celestial body. Spending most of their time outdoors, they were as familiar with the sky as they were their sheep. This star was like no other!  

"FEAR NOT!" a voice suddenly filled the air. "For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people," the invisible voice announced. "For unto YOU is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!"  

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The proclamation echoed throughout the starry heavens as the shepherds froze in wonder at this awesome news. Here, right in their own town? Could it be? Even a lonely shepherd had heard the prophecy heralding a Messiah who would bring peace into this uncertain world. Just as they were pondering this most amazing announcement, the sky became alive with a host of heavenly beings thundering their unified praise, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill to men!"

​We must go! We MUST go and see this baby. And they did, with great haste. The star had spread its rays, leading the way towards Bethlehem town. And, just as the sheep would follow their shepherds, tonight, the shepherds followed the star. With full trust, and without wavering. They recognized the voice of God. And they followed.

How about you? Have you heard the voice of God this Christmas season? Has the light dawned? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!

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Need a last minute gift for your middle-grader? Consider The Heart Changer bringing hope to the heart this Christmas. They are not alone. There is light on the path ahead. . .