When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, treasured them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
A Gospel Reflection
The Angels were sign posts who gave directions for the Shepherds to find the baby God. God appeared as a fragile baby, not like the Greek or Roman God’s Thor or Odin who came with power and bolts of lightning. God appears in the unexpected simple child. For most people the child would have looked and acted like any other baby. Yet, the Angels were given a direction which revealed to them the deeper understanding of who the child was.
When have we had signposts in our lives which show us God's unexpected nature? Can you think of anyone or any event which has awoken you to the deeper presence of God?
Why would God choose a manger to be born? Why an animal manager? This reminds us of the story of Noah. Noah built an ark to protect and symbolically house the animals. Animals are messy. Animals smelly. God steps down out of heaven and is born amongst the poorest. An outpost of the Roman empire inside a religion which was largely rejected by most Romans.
In our lives - how do we step out of our own riches and be present to the poorest parts of our world? Do we reflect God’s actions? To bring to life God’s Word. To invite God’s spirit to dwell in us and to be born in us.
Mary pondered and treasured these things. What things have you pondered and treasured in the last 12 months?
Spend time reflecting on these questions…
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