Listen to a simple service of prayer and reflection centred on Luke 2.1-20 for 25 December, Christmas Day
Reflection on Luke 2.1-20 for Christmas Day
What must it have been like to have been one of the shepherds on the hillside below Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born? The night probably started just like any other night, with the shepherds gathering for conversation, companionship and security. As darkness descended the familiar hillside will have cloaked itself in a much less friendly and welcoming aura. It was in the night that wild animals might attack the sheep; it was in the night that lone shepherds might be attacked by robbers. Perhaps the night began with food and an allocation of the night watches. However it began it was probably a matter of routine, just another night … but, then the angel appeared.
Our image of angels is largely coloured by medieval art and primary school nativity plays. We have no idea what angels really look like, but we do know that as an angel of the Lordstood before those shepherds on the hillside around Bethlehem the glory of the Lord shone around them. We should not be surprised that the shepherds were terrified, they were probably confused and disoriented as well!
At Christmas we enjoy singing carols and hymns which tell of the shepherds and angels; carols and hymns that lead us to the baby who was laid in a manger because there was no place for him and his earthly family in the inn. Whilst we derive much pleasure from Christmas music it cannot stand comparison with the shepherds’ experience of a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
Christmas gives rise to feelings of nostalgia, warmth and security. But the experience of those shepherds on that hillside, on that special night, presents us all with a challenge. The shepherds heard the message of the angel, and then acted upon the words they had heard. They went to the manger, gazed upon the Holy Child, and they went away glorifying and praising God.
Today, as we recall and celebrate the coming of the Son of God into our midst, let us pray that we might bear the joy and the light of this Good News into the year that lies ahead. Let us pray that, as we encounter Jesus and the wonders of heaven in our daily lives, we might glorify and praise God. Let us pray that through our words and actions the Holy Child of Bethlehem might become a reality to all.