Fourth Sunday of Advent

Opening

This Advent we explore how God meets us in the ordinariness and messiness of life.

We continue with the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-14

 “Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel 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 favors!”

Reflection

Shepherds were going about their lives, carrying out their work when suddenly an angel comes with the most astonishing and wonderful news- that God was doing the unimaginable. God entered their midst as someone with skin on. God draws close, as near as our own breath in bodily form. Our story becomes entwined with God’s story, in a loving and intimate way. We are so loved and held. God knows what it is to be human, with all that’s good and all that is so hard.  We are seen. We are heard. God is as close as our own breath.

Prayer

May you sense how deeply you are loved and held by the One who is as close as your very breath. Amen.

Rev. Eva Sullivan-Knoff, Executive Director