Message

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Message

Angels     Shepherds

Proclaiming     Glorifying     Praising

Behold Your Savior Comes

Peace

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 2:15 to 20

When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see exactly what has taken place, which the Lord has revealed to us."

So they went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 

When they saw this, they shared the good news that they had found out about this child. 

All who heard about this special message from the shepherds were touched deeply.

Mary remembered all these things and thought about them in her heart.

Then the shepherds went back and gave praise to God for the amazing things that they had heard and witnessed---just as the angels had told them! 

Reflection

Luke tells us about the message that the shepherds received. I can just imagine being one of those shepherds and wondering exactly what is going on!

There you are taking care of your sheep at night and all of a sudden some angels pay you a visit. Is it a dream? Is it real?

The angels must have been convincing! The shepherds head for Bethlehem right away and are able to find Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.

What a remarkable sight! Imagine hearing the angels and then discovering exactly what was described---a child in a manger. Such an unusual sight.

I'm sure the shepherds are thinking that those angels knew what they were talking about. Their trust in the words of the angels paid off for them. They were privileged to encounter one of the most amazing sights of all time---God in our midst!

This had to be equally amazing for Joseph and Mary. They are rejoicing in the gift of new life and then some shepherds show up!

I'm sure they knew Jesus was going to be a special child but this is a wonderful confirmation for them. It gave Mary and Joseph a lot to reflect on.

What should we do with this message? We can follow the example of the shepherds and share the message with our words and deeds so that we can spread the Good News!

Our Savior comes with Peace. Jesus wants us to treat everyone as our sisters and brothers. We are all part of the family of God. 

Kathy's photo this week is from a manger set that was made in Kenya. The message continues to go out far and wide. The angels are still singing and proclaiming!

Enjoy the Good News!

1. Can you relate to the shepherds?

2. Do you find it hard to trust messages from the angels that visit you?

3. How can you spread the Good News? 

(scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)