Shepherds abiding...

In the story of Christmas, an angel told the lowly shepherds about a babe in a manger.  There appeared a bright cloud and then a multitude of angels glorifying God and proclaiming peace among men. 

The importance of the event marked the appearance of a multitude of angels.  Why did they appear to lowly shepherds, who in those days were among the poor?   The answer is simple: God's love isn't only for those of means, God loves everyone.  The shepherds cared for their sheep.  They were responsible for the animals in the field, keeping watch by day and night. 

After witnessing the multitude of angels, the shepherds followed the bright star of Bethlehem to a stable.  Jesus was born in a stall, not a palace.  He was mightier than any king and yet he was visited by kings.  Shepherds were an important part of the Christmas story because God is our shepherd as Jesus was a lamb of God.
God loves each one of us.  If we follow Him, we will be bathed in the light.
"The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them." Luke 2:20.   Christmas blessings to all.

Blessing the Masses

Yes, it is an unbelievably busy time of year.  But then, don't we push ourselves to make it that way?  I always wish I had one more week before Christmas. 

As I stood in a long, long line the other day, I noticed other line folks playing with their phones or looking around with disdain. We are an impatient society.  We expect instant attention. This thought hit me: I need to spend this time asking blessings for these people.  I blessed the shoppers in front of me, the shoppers behind me, and the cashiers.  I spent time wondering what difficulties they experienced; what losses they felt.  Then I blessed their families and asked God to bring them comfort.

"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant."Psalm 119:76.

Soon it was time for me to check out.  I greeted the cashier with a smile and a beautiful smile was returned.  "Merry Christmas," I replied as I headed out into the rat race.  It was a joyful experience: not because I shopped and survived the line to buy the gifts, but because God was right there with me spreading His light.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12.

 

Entertaining Angels

Many verses in the Bible tell of angels.  In fact, angels appear in at least 34 books of the Bible because they are messengers of God. Sometimes they warn, sometimes they direct, sometimes they encourage.  One thing is for sure: they are sent directly from God.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Hebrews 13:2: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."  This is an encouraging suggestion to be kind to those you meet and those in need.  What a wonderful thought to know that someone we encounter could be an angel sent to earth!  Seeing the smile on the face of a complete stranger because you first smiled, is a blessing in itself. 

 

During the rush of this Christmas season, take time to look around, open a door, or give a smile to a stranger.  You never know when an angel might appear!