LISTENING---

You are standing on the hillside--in the cool of the night--watching over your flock of sheep. The ink black night sky is filled with a carpet of glimmering diamonds.  The only sound is the occasional bleating of one of your charges and the popping of the small fire you stand near.  One stands guard-while the others take a turn sleeping--with only stillness echoing off the hills surrounding the valley where the sheep graze during the day.


It is a night like any other--with the only threat being the potential of an animal attacking the flock.  The fire and your watch create only a slim possibility of any danger. 

Suddenly there appears a bright light in the night sky--staring in amazement-the shepherd is alarmed.  Waking the others by the fire--they all stand in fear and amazement--as the light slowly comes into focus ---there standing by them was what appeared to be and angel.  He then gives them the news-

A 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all zthe people. 11 For aunto you is born this day in bthe city of David ca Savior, who is dChrist ethe Lord. 12 And fthis will be a sign for you: you will find a baby gwrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

THEN a multitude of angels appeared and they all sang together
 i“Glory to God jin the highest,
jand on earth kpeace lamong those with whom he is pleased!”3
And the angels then went away from them into heaven.

 

What would we do--confronted by this scene?  Run for the hills--cower in fear---or perhaps sit around the fire and discuss what you had seen--what could it mean?

No, they listened with their hearts---and went to see the New Born King--dropping to their knees in praise when seeing the baby in the manager.  They were one of the select---honored to visit the promised Messiah. Had they doubted--had they turned a deaf ear--they would have missed their greatest call.  Their hearts were listening and receptive to the message from God. They listened with their hearts and were obedient to God's call and they bowed in the very presence of Jesus. 

Listening--with an expectant heart--I am listening while I wait.

3 comments

  1. You know, Lulu...honestly, you must have a ear to us. My son was asking the very same thing last night (right in the middle of watching The American Revolution-mini series on the Heros channel.)--that kid has a knack for asking some deep questions...anyways---great post, as usual! Blessings & Merry Christmas!

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    1. You figured it out--I have a secret camera-video feed from your house to mine. SO appreciative of all the ideas for subject matter! LOL!

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  2. What would we do--confronted by this scene?

    I'd probably poop in my trousers in fear.

    Can you imagine, Lulu. A silent night as you described, then a bright light and a chorus of angels singing from above? No wonder they didn't get a heart attack. Why not be more subtle and have an angel (without wings) approach them slowly as he walks towards them.

    And poor Mary ... having the Angel Gabriel appearing to her suddenly. I'd probably fall off my chair and drop the keyboard if an angel appeared right now.

    Seriously though; you have a wonderful way of describing the Nativity scene; and I thank you for it.

    God bless you.



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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!