The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen… And all those who heard it marvelled at what the shepherds told them. Luke 2
Today starts the season of Advent, a time of waiting in hope and expectation. We wait for that glorious day when Jesus will return in power and majesty and will right all that is wrong.
And we wait in expectation of Christmas when we celebrate Immanuel, God with us.
It also starts all the busyness in the run up to Christmas, and for many this can be a very hectic and stressful time.
As I was thinking about what to write I thought of those shepherds busy in the fields looking after the sheep. What if they had decided they were too busy to go and find the Saviour of the world? What about the innkeepers too busy, too full to find a room for the Saviour to be born?
Yes, the run up to Christmas can be manic, but what of you and me? Will we be too busy to wonder with Mary, to rejoice with the Shepherds, to praise God for his wonderful promise to be with us always?
As we continue to journey together through this Advent, let us, like the shepherds, make time to spend in the presence of God, then we too might find our Saviour in the most unexpected places and the most surprising ways.
Lord Jesus, in this ‘waiting’ time help us to live every day to the full and yet to live every day as though it were our last, so that, whenever you come, we may be ready to greet you with gladness, joy and welcoming love. Amen (Joyce Huggett)
Love, Sandra