CAN YOU IMAGINE?

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their

sheep.” Luke 2:8-14

Can you imagine what the shepherds were talking about that night as they sat

around. Perhaps they were talking about the date and wondering what might

happen when 1BC came? Historians suggest it was around 6BC that night. Or

perhaps they were talking about the events that were having a profound impact on

the Jewish people. How everyone was despondent because once again, they had

been conquered, oppressed, and polluted. Hope was running low; faith was even

lower. All were convinced that the only thing that could save them and their faith

was the appearance of the Messiah.

Can you imagine when suddenly their conversation was interrupted? God chose

that very moment to break into their everyday lives. “All at once an angel came

down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around

them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have

good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David’s

hometown a Saviour was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he

is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.”

Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God.

They said: “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.”

Can you imagine the change in conversation? With great excitement they

exclaimed, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see’. They hurried and saw!

Luke further tells us that the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God and

saying wonderful things about him. Everything they had seen and heard was just as

the angel had said.

Can you imagine their conversation as they settled back into everyday life?

Can we join this wonderful conversation? Praising God and saying wonderful

things about Him. Yes, we have so much more to tell. Today we know so much

more; Jesus gave His life a living sacrifice to save us from our sins, Jesus is alive

today, Jesus is coming again!

 

As we celebrate and rejoice

may we thank and praise the Lord

and say wonderful things about Him.

 

Lorraine Harvey

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