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Wednesday December 24 - Revealed to shepherds
There were shepherds in the fields nearby... An angel of the Lord appeared and glory shone around them, and they were terrified. Luke 2:8-9
The Bible shows that God has a soft spot for shepherds! Shepherding was considered an honourable occupation in centuries gone by; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and King David tended sheep, along with several prophets, and Israel’s priestly leaders were often described as shepherds – some good, some bad. Jesus called himself ‘the good Shepherd.’ However, by his day they were at the bottom of the social ladder with no civil rights, and their testimony not accepted in any court of law. Sleeping rough in the fields, they were looked down upon. But the Father chose an unlearned, scruffy gang of men and boys to be first to know about the arrival of his Son, blessed them with a glorious visit from angels and led them to where the baby lay, to worship him.
God delights to honour what the world disdains and to raise up people rejected by those with earthly power and authority. Jesus himself is described as the cornerstone ‘rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious’ (1 Peter 2:4). Paul reminded the Corinthian church that by worldly standards ‘not many of you were wise... powerful... of noble birth’ (1 Corinthians 1:26). This does not mean that God dismisses those who are rich, talented or high-ranking, but that any one of us, however insignificant we feel, is beloved by God – who longs to raise us up to fulfil the destiny he planned for us.
Father God, thank you for accepting me into your ‘holy nation, a people of your own possession’ to know your loving mercy. Amen.
Thursday December 25 - The Saviour is born
“Today... a Saviour has been born to you; the Messiah, the Lord... You will find a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12
Christmas is here! Emmanuel (‘God with us’) has come as a newborn, fully dependent for life’s needs on a young girl who lacks the support of her female relatives as she gets to grips with motherhood. Those anticipating Messiah’s coming probably expected him to be born within a secure religious home, to be raised as a scholar or to lead Zealots who dreamed of breaking the bonds of Roman occupation. Matthew tells us that ‘wise men from the east’ following a star came to King Herod’s palace, but no royal child was found there. Instead, his birth and early life were shrouded in obscurity.
Few witnessed baby Jesus’ arrival or knew about what happened next. He slumbered in an animal’s feeding trough and was greeted by humble worshippers from the sheep pens. He became a refugee in Egypt to escape death and then settled in an obscure Galilean village, where he learned carpentry and later assumed his late father’s place as head of the family. Mainly his was an obscure, seemingly unremarkable life! But the angels saw Jesus very differently. “Saviour... Messiah... Lord...” they cried in rapture as the holy Prince of heaven who would accomplish the whole purpose of God arrived on Planet Earth. The nativity story is so familiar to us, but let us never forget the wonder of it. As we sing carols and pray, worship with awe the holy Child of God who saves us!
Lord Jesus, we humbly and joyfully welcome you into our hearts and lives today! Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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