A Christmas Message from Angie
December! Gosh does it seem to come quicker to you each year as it does to me?
I’ve only just managed to clear out all the pine needles from underneath the couch in the back room and we’ll soon be putting up a new tree! Endless lists, shopping from September to spread the costs and the planning, so much planning.
Through it all, it can be easy to lose the sense of wonder of it all.
Awe and Wonder according to Brené Brown are often experienced in response to nature, art, music, spiritual experiences or ideas.
She says ‘In the midst of these moments, we can feel overwhelmed by the vastness of something that is almost incomprehensible- it almost feels like what we’re witnessing can’t be true - like we’re seeing something that doesn’t fit with how we move through and understand our everyday lives.’ Atlas of the heart pg 58.
I’m pretty certain this would have been how the shepherds felt when they saw the angels in the sky announcing the good news of Jesus’ birth.
Luke 2 (ESV) : And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. The angel could see that this was definitely something out of the ordinary for them declared: ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…’
Message translation says: ‘Don’t be afraid I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide.’
Then after the details of how they would find the baby was given to the shepherds a rousing chorus of ‘Glory to god in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.’ Was sung over them.
Fear replaced with Joy,
Fear replaced by peace,
Fear extinguished by seeing God’s plan outworking on the earth.
Oh, what wonder and awe would have filled that night.
For us the reality is we won’t experience angels dancing on our duvets this season. Things might seem mundane, or fraught with challenges and problems. But let’s not miss the holy moments, maybe when we catch the children smiling at one another, or the eyes that catch yours which linger just a little longer than usual. The hospitality of friends or the arrival of family. A thoughtful gift or a friend remembering you would be alone.
Or maybe a fresh sense of the overwhelming lengths that God was willing to go to, so that we could experience true love, joy and peace.
We have had a small glimpse again into the vulnerability of a new born baby. Gabriel Bear was born just a few weeks ago, Grand baby number 3. To see the miracle of his birth, and to witness the dependency on everyone around him makes me wonder and be oh so grateful for what Jesus was prepared to do for insignificant me.
May this season for you be one of peace and great joy as we live in the awe and wonder of a great big God who loves us so much that he sent Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus thank you for coming to earth to die for me. I have people in my life that love me but no one has ever done something as radical as die for me. As we prepare for the season when we remember your birth and life here on earth may we always be filled with gratitude and let your love create awe and wonder for all you have done for us. Be with those who are going through difficulties right now and may your peace guide them and protect them in Jesus name. Amen