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Be my rock of refuge

Friday, December 26, 2008

Luke 2:8-14
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Midnight on the day Christ was born, just the beginning of the twelve days of Christmas, time for parties and rejoicing and renewing old ties, time to wake up for a while from our long winter's rest and breathe in the fresh air of earth inhabited by God.

At midnight as at noon the shepherds watch their sheep. They saw the stars from every angle and watched the moon wax and wane over and over again. They must have been familiar with the northern lights. What did they think when they saw these angels?

They were afraid. They were not afraid of lions or bears. Thieves did not frighten them. The mysterious sounds of the night were not mysterious to them. But these songs from the sky ... so many voices singing so beautifully and bringing a message from God ... on this night, with the brightest star they'd ever seen right above them, they were sore afraid.

On this dark night as the skies cloud up and the air grows cold, I look forward to a warm bed. Some of the shepherds might have slept, but the angels woke them all. This gift they were given is given to us all. The night of surprises awakens us all. The angels' songs transcend language barriers and call us all to give our gifts.

God holds us close and safe; we are never alone. He does not sleep. He keeps watch over his flocks by night. Now he has awakened his shepherds and called them to him. What can the shepherds give this baby Jesus? And what can I?

Lord tonight in the cold air I can see my breath. You are so close, holding me and breathing on me, letting me curl up in your warmest folds. You are all around me, Lord, calling me to sing songs of joy.



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