the e-Testament
Luke 2: 16-21
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.”
They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
When the eighth day arrived, the day of circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived.
Prayer
Lord
Amidst the busy-ness of the holidays, help us to find time to recognise the real meaning we celebrate at this time of the year.
We pray that as we start this new year, that we can hold this with us and rediscover the excitement of Jesus coming to our lives.
Amen
Reflection
In this Gospel reading, the thing I notice most of all is how excited the Shepherds are.
Christmas can become pretty routine, we've heard the stories before and we get caught up with all the presents, shopping and family events. It's easy for the meaning of Christmas to fade into the background.
This passage reminds us that not only is something really important celebrated at Christmas, the birth of Jesus who will came to save us all, but that it's really quite exciting! When did we last run to tell someone about the meaning of Christmas?
When did we last let loose, glorifying God for everything we had heard and seen?!
Even though Christmas Day has passed, it's still not too late to share the meaning of Christmas like those shepherds!
Chris Knowles
Salesian Volunteer & Charity Worker