OzThoughts Monday 22nd December 2008

OzThoughts Monday 22nd December 2008

These are busy days. Much of the events planned are happy events. However, we must be careful not to brush aside the people who are sorrowing or sick at this time. The very busy times and varying emotions of Christmas often come from the things that surround Christmas, rather than the focusing on the birth of our Saviour, Jesus.

Today and this week will be full of many things for most people. There will be holidays for some, but mostly it will be shopping, work, family and personal preparations for Christmas and so much more. Oh, and of course a few more carols to be played and sung, and presents bought and parcels to be wrapped.

The Shepherds were busy men caring for their sheep. When the Angels came with their announcement, their initial fear turned to action as they hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby. With joy they worshipped the new born babe.

I wonder what they did as they worshipped. Did they sing a hymn? Did they recite some Scriptures? Did they say a familiar prayer or some other ritual of words?

I imagine they told Mary and Joseph about the Angels and their message. They would have listened to Mary and Joseph repeat the events as they knew them.

I imagine these shepherds each held the baby Jesus. They held him in hands that were more often holding young submissive new born lambs. Minds that often reflected on the wonder of nature’s birth miracle, reflected on the miracle of the birth of this child. Quietly and to each other and to God they would have expressed their gratitude to have beheld and held the Son of God.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father in the busy times of this week, help me to take time to consider Jesus, God with us, as the babe of Bethlehem. Help me to share that joy with others. Father, I pray too for those who need our prayers because of difficult times through which they are passing just now. Amen

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_436.mp3 ]

While shepherds watched their flocks by night
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

Fear not! said he; for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

To you, in David's town, this day
Is born, of David's line,
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign:

The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, and thus
Addressed their joyful song:

All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth from Heaven to men
Begin and never cease!
Author: Nahum Tate (1652-1715)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 93

Luke 2 (The Message ©)
8There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep.
9Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified.
10The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:
11A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. 12This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
14Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." 16They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child.
18All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
20The sheepherders 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!

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