The Advent Devotional by Kathleen Schwartz December 24 – Shepherds

Last night some of the boys came over, as they do every night, to help get the chickens into the pen. Off in the west there was a terrific light show. Lightening made designs, colors, and patterns in the dark sky. We turned off the verandah light and all watched. It was pretty awesome to see.

Can you imagine the awe of the shepherds on a dark night when the glory of the heavens was displayed? Most pictures that have been drawn or painted show the shepherds on their knees. How could you stay standing at such magnificence? How could your being even take it?

Who was witness to this event, this opening of heaven for a few short minutes? Shepherds – those on the low end of the socio-economic scale. This is just another reminder, through the Christmas story, that Jesus came for everyone. It’s not through riches, fame or success that we gain access to the glory of heaven, but by being available and standing in the awe and wonder of the magnificence of our God.
 
When God showed up, the shepherds could have run in fear. But instead they stood in awe, still afraid, but they stayed to hear the message and to respond. Much like our boys here, they could have run back into their homes for fear of the loud noise that would follow the terrific lightening. But, as they stood there they marveled at the beauty that was being presented to them, even though they weren’t sure what would follow next.

This Advent Season, are you available for God’s glory to appear? And when it does appear how will you respond?

Dear God of Glory, Come into our lives. Give us courage to face the light, the glory, the lightening, and the power. Give us joy to go tell the Good News of your Power and Glory. Give us awe to fall in worship before you. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.