Day 29 The Big Reveal

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 English Standard Version

Quiet reigns in my house right now. A few minutes ago, chaos reigned. Each year my family enjoys a Christmas Eve dinner of tamales, guacamole, refried beans, and various sweets. We gather ‘round the table with all the leaves put in and the food, happiness, and laughter flow. Then we watch one of our “standard” Christmas movies, while supper settles. Then everyone heads home. We will gather again tomorrow for more food and a small gift exchange. Over the years the gifts have become smaller and fewer in number, but the joy grows. We will eat and laugh some more. Bur for right now, Kimmy (our cat) and I enjoy solitude, peace, and quiet.  

Millenia ago, peace and quiet reigned on a rocky Judean hillside. Shepherds and sheep rested in the dark of the night. Suddenly everything changed. The veil between heaven and earth split open and light spilled out driving back the darkness. An angel brought good news of a savior, bringing peace and joy. Then a host of heavenly beings broke out in song. God announced the birth of His son.

He announced the birth of His son to a bunch of scruffy sheep herders, men considered among the lowliest of the low. I find it instructive that God revealed the birth of Jesus to this group of people. When He came into this physical reality, He rubbed shoulders with the lower ranks of Jewish society. Shepherds, carpenters, an old childless couple, a young girl probably a teenager, and some strange star-gazing foreigners made up the cast of characters in His great reveal. I probably wouldn’t have made the list. My zip-code is too toney. God reaches out to those of the lowliest estate, and they respond with adoration and worship. Perhaps that’s why He went to the shepherds; nothing stood between them and hearing the good news.