The shepherds were a rough group of men they had to be strong and able bodied to be able to fight off lions or other animals that might come near the sheep. They had to be not fearful of the dark or of the enemies waiting in the dark. They were not a highly respected group of men either. They were dirty and the job they had was very dangerous. They were simple outside rugged men who would sleep on the rough ground and walk many miles to get their job done. They stayed with their flocks day and night and did what they needed to protect them and keep them safe.
Isn’t it incredible that God would use them to be a part of the ‘nativity story?’ Isn’t it like Him to use a rough group of men who were so unsuspecting and not likely to be placed in a story that would be such an important part of history? Kind of like a ‘virgin girl’ chosen to give life to a SON and a common man choosing to marry her. Luke 2: 8-13 And there were shepherd living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. and they were terrified. (Remember these men were not terrified of anything this had to have been a miraculous and stunning moment for them) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. (Isn’t it interesting the angels always have to say ‘don’t be afraid’ before talking to people?) Do not be afraid. I bring your good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Some writers actually said they left their flocks and hurried off to find Mary and Joseph and the baby in the manger. I wonder is that not too different from the fishermen leaving their fishing nets to go follow him later on?) Leaving everything they knew and everything important to follow after the call of their hearts. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherd said to them. (Remember the shepherds were not necessarily anyone the people would listen to and yet they were amazed when they heard them share the story) What they had to share was important and the people listened because it was life changing for them. I imagine they were excited and could not contain those emotions. What a difference that would be to see a shepherd who was once serious and task oriented talking about why they left their sheep and how come they did and why they had to go in such a hurry. Their faces would show the ‘knowing.’ In the midst of the nativity story God revealed to them the least suspecting the least logical. The shepherds, a rough and tough group of men tending their flocks in the dark of the night just like any other night. Only this night was to be different. If God can reveal himself to them do you suppose he can do that to us too? Would we leave our jobs or agenda’s to follow in a new direction? So much to think about and so much to ask of ourselves. The nativity story was miraculous and the miracle’s were everywhere. Isn’t it awesome that God uses normal every day people to share a story for everyone?
Have your sound on… John Michael Talbot is one of my most favorite singers. He is relaxing and restful to my soul. Along with Michael Card. I pray you can enjoy and sing along.
When the angel came to Mary and told her she would be with child.
Her heart was full of acceptance.
Mary’s song Luke 1:46-56
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me~
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Can you imagine such wisdom from someone who was just told,
“you will be with child and he will be a special child and you will be his mother and you are chosen out of many…”
Mary you are the one chosen.
I can’t even imagine the heart of this young mom and in the quiet of the night as she laid her hand on her rounding frame…did she wonder…
did she worry…
did she question…Why me Lord?
The book of Luke said that Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. It doesn’t tell us but I think Elizabeth was a great encouragement for Mary.
Both were expecting. Both were sharing ‘a same story’.
I am very glad they had each other.
The relationship between Mary and Elizabeth was very special. They were cousins with a wide age range between them. They were two women sharing the same experience. Elizabeth was past the child bearing years and miraculously expecting a son she would name John. Mary still in her youth and a virgin miraculously expecting a son she would name Jesus. They both shared a miracle and they both knew how miraculous each of those were for each other. When Mary found Elizabeth she was encouraged and affirmed. I am sure she was wanting so much to talk and share and tell the story of the angel and what was said between them. Elizabeth believed her story and believed the call on her life and affirmed her by saying “my baby leaped upon hearing you.” How could she not believe for she was carrying a child and that certainly was not possible had it not been for a miracle. Elizabeth ministered to Mary in such a way that I don’t believe we can realize. She confirmed in her heart she was special. She understood and believed her story. Can you imagine the hugs between them almost a sisterhood? When Joseph heard about the baby he wanted to quietly send Mary away to protect her and her family from shame. For to be with child and not married was a tremendous shame in that culture and Joseph knew that it would be hurtful to her. Through his obedience he showed Mary love and compassion by taking her to be his wife. That is what happens when we care for someone we want the best for them. Each of them were a part of a miracle the miracle of life and birth and peace and hope. The story of their shared miracles continues through out history. The story of the baby born in a city called Bethlehem and the wise men who came from a far to see him. Each of them were a part of a miracle and a story of love and redemption too. If we opened our hearts we would be a part of it also. Are we ready to open our hearts?
I have been thinking about the Christmas story. One thing that has come to my mind is the parallel between the story and Psalm 139. Psalm 139: 13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. God knew God spoke life God said to the Angel… go tell Mary “I have chosen her.” Just as he had chosen Elizabeth Mary’s cousin. Luke 1:13-15 the angel talking to Zechariah; “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. The way was being prepared. With Elizabeth first then with Mary. Luke 1:26-32 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent an angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” vs 32b vs 34. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” Mary’s response: I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (I wonder what her thoughts were after the angel left remember she was young and this would be very life changing for her) Reading further… vs 39. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. (I wonder what the greeting was ~we aren’t really told) vs 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Isn’t it awesome that God knew us… just as He knew them before we were born. Elizabeth was honoring Mary her relative and the baby heardthe baby reacted Life in the womb is often a mystery but it is life and it is real and babies can listen. God knew they would be boys God knew their names God knew the call on their lives before they were born. Before they experienced a breath He knew their name and who they would be forever in history. Before they breathed a breath of lifeGod knew them. Do you believe that God knew you too?
Have your sound on… This is an incredible song and thought. Do we stand in line and wait… to see Jesus? would we if we had the chance? I know I have stood in line with children and waited and waited… a wonderful question this season. Where is the line?? Where is the excitement? The anticipation of a Savior… is it near?
I was honored to be a guest writer on Mary Demuth’s thin place side. She featured my story about Mary my sister there is so much more that could be written about her and her story this is just a beginning of the journey from death to life.
The other thing I wonder about sometimes in the Christmas story. Mary was so young and Joseph too did they worry about what it would mean for them to have a special child? This was a child who was given to them by divine appointment by an angel announcing it. She didn’t read the news on a stick with a plus or minus like someone would find out now. She was told… don’t be afraid you are with Child. Did she have morning sickness and fatigue just like other new mom’s? What was it like to feel the movement of the ‘Holy Child’ within her? What was she thinking as she watched her roundness grow did Joseph get excited or was he worried? So much to think about the Bible said ‘she kept it all near her heart’. Wouldn’t we all? So much to deal with so much to handle physically and emotionally.
Mary was just like other new moms who are expecting only her child was to be different. Divine appointment Divine assignment. Can you even imagine? One week you are just a ‘young person’ the next week you are met with an angel telling you about a life changing moment. Your life changing moment forever. That you are to be the mother of the Holy Saviour who would save not only the world but yourself too. I wonder…so much… can you wonder with me?
I often wonder did Mary and Joseph talk about the angels who told them about the baby arriving? Wouldn’t that be something special to share with each other? How did it appear to you Joseph and how did it appear to you Mary? What did you feel or think? Were you scared? After all she was very young in her teens and he was just as unprepared. Also I wonder did they know each other and were they friends before or were they given the heavenly order to become married then to get to know each other. The other thing I wonder about is if they ever talked about how Joseph saved her life. For to be with child and unmarried Mary could have been stoned. She knew the consequences and yet she said ‘I choose’. I accept. I will be obedient. Joseph also knew that as he took her for his wife he was not only being obedient when he didn’t fully understand it all. He knew he had to do follow through for the angel told him to do it. There was no discussion. The angel said: Joseph… take Mary to be your wife. There were so many questions that could have come between the two of them. So many worries and fears. I often wonder what they were thinking in the quiet of the night.
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Philipians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ==================== Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." Courage is not the absence of fear but it's taking action in the midst of it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure.
It's your heart, not the dictionary that gives meaning to your words. Matthew 12:34 (msg) version.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Below you will find a few of my favorite websites or blogs. They have given me encouragement and challenged me on this journey.
Ann Voskamp's blog A holy Experience This image of a bleeding heart represents a journey of healing from brokenness to wholeness. Some of my favorite books: One thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Married over 46 years and entered into my 65th year of life.
I am a mother of two and grandmother of six and mom to two very spoiled kitties. I love to worship and encourage and of course write whenever I can find a topic or subject to share about.
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Thank you for visiting my blog.
I hope you find it encouraging and that it gives you
'Something to think about'. The vision for this is to challenge the reader into a new and different way of thinking. I appreciate and always value your comments. Having others walk alongside and join in the sharing is part of the process.
Thank you for joining me... on this journey. As we get encouraged ~ Lord help us to encourage others. "And the day came when the risk to remain a tight bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin my blog button The crosses are found on a beach at Winema Christian Camp on the Oregon coast.. a place to relax and find God in the process. My favorite place ....to rest and restore my spirit.
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