All is Calm…

In the beginning…

On a cold, clear night, shepherds tend their sheep in the fields. Staying alert, they watch over their flocks. There is nothing special about this night, perhaps only intuitive grace of a wonder about to happen.

- God prepares the hearts of those who will receive Him.

Do you see what I see?

Suddenly, the skies illumine with an angel of the Lord! Glorious streams from heaven surround the shepherds. They cringe in fear of the unimaginable.

- ‘Why would an angel appear to the lowly? There is nothing special about us!’

The angel of course understands their fear. He consoles them with the splendid Good News of their long-awaited Savior’s birth. He then, invites them to Bethlehem to find and worship this Holy Christ Child.

First, He calms us, then He calls us.

How often do we feel anxious and overwhelmed? Could we be missing a very important message from God? Are we aware of His constant presence and do we allow Him to calm us? In sweet serenity we hear His voice.

Do you hear what I hear?

No one knows how many shepherds witnessed the multitude of Heavenly Hosts praising and singing at the first glimpse of Christmas. The Joyful Message was for every one of them! The Gospel of Luke continues to tell us…

After the angels and their awesome lightshow return to the heavens, the shepherds talk among themselves in amazement. Feeling blessed and curious, they decide to go immediately to Bethlehem to seek out this newborn King of Kings.

-What if some shepherds did not follow the angel’s direction? Perhaps they remained behind in their lack of trust or did not believe God’s Real Presence was among them. Do we stay in our comfort zone at times and miss an opportunity to seek out and be with our Lord?

Come and you will see. John 1:39

The chosen shepherds answer the call. They hasten to make their way to the manger with great anticipation. Their conversation is filled with joy as they share their hopes and fears! They know in their hearts they will be changed FOREVER!

Behold the Lamb of God!

The bright star leads them to the Holy Family. Finding the Babe lying in a manger, they are of the first to rejoice at the sight of their Holy Redeemer! This child will change the world! With gratitude they lower themselves in homage. They gaze in awe and deep contemplation.

Do you know what I know?

The humbled shepherds return to their lives glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. They proclaim the Light of the World has come to earth and their song is sung throughout the ages. Yes, ALL HAS BEEN CHANGED FOREVER!

As we come to the stable my friends, like the shepherds, we encounter Jesus, the true Shepherd of our souls. Let us ponder the Miracle of Christmas and receive the gift of His endless love and mercy. Allow the Christ Child to be born anew in our hearts and may we help our world around us!

Share in the Joy of this most Holy Night!

All is calm…All is bright!

The Peace and Joy of Christmas to all!

Until our next walk through the garden

-Anne