Day 21 – Luke 2 verses 8 – 12 (Gabriel’s light)
Bible Reading – Luke 2 verses 8 – 12
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Opening Prayer
Loving God, help us to imagine the wonder of the shepherds as they heard the good news that Jesus has been born. Help us like them to drop everything and hurry to see you in the place of your birth. As our Advent journey nears its end may we become more and more excited, anticipating your coming once again to us. Amen
Reflection
For the next three days we will walk with the shepherds. The images I have used for the feature image are from the chapel of the Shepherds’ field in Bethlehem. We were blessed to visit the chapel on our visit to the Holy Land and I took some time out to sit on a rock on the hillside overlooking the valley. There weren’t many sheep to be seen but the thoughts of the angels appearing in the sky above where I was sitting was awesome.
We don’t often have angels appear to us, at least not in the sky announcing the birth of our Saviour. However, I do believe that we are touched by angels in our daily lives. Those who support us and care for us in our times of need. Those who appear to tell us the good news that God loves us and sent his Son into the world for us – not just for the people of Israel 2,000 years ago.
As we rapidly draw near to Christmas Day, spend a little time remembering the angels who have crossed your path and helped you on your journey to meet with God.
A time for your own reflection
Read the passage again and spend a little time thinking of how the passage speaks to you. The wonder of scripture is that there is always something new to discover and each passage speaks to us in our own need and circumstances.
Only if you feel you want to – share your thoughts with someone. God inspires our thoughts and you never know, the person you share with may be waiting to hear what you have to say.
Song
Here is the next song –
“Out in the fields”
I wanted this song to start off with how ordinary a day it was until the angel appeared. No one was wondering how or why the stars twinkle in the sky. I wanted this to be a bouncy energetic song so a rhythmic folk version today.
Title: Out in the fields
Words: Chris Hancock
Music: Generated on Suno.com
Voice A.I.
[Verse 1]
Out in the fields where the shadows play,
Shepherds watching, on hillside lay,
Stars were sparkling in a velvet sky,
No one wondered how or why.
[Verse 2]
Into the silence an angel spoke out,
Do not fear and have no doubt
I come to give good news to you
The Saviour come to make all things new
[Chorus]
Oh, Gabriel, sing your song,
To a world which has waited long.
“I come to give good news to you.
Go and see that it is true”.
Oh, Gabriel, sing your song,
To a world which has waited long
Sing of the Saviour who has been born
Come to us in human form.
[Bridge]
In the darkest night, a light appeared,
A promise of joy to the world appears,
Go seek the child in a manger found,
With his family gathered round.
[Verse 3]
They hurried there to see the place
With smiles and wonder on their faces,
Found Him where the angel said
Gently laid in stable bed.
[Chorus]
Oh, Gabriel, sing your song,
To a world which has waited long.
“I come to give good news to you.
Go and see that it is true”.
Oh, Gabriel, sing your song,
To a world which has waited long
Sing of the Saviour who has been born
Come to us in human form.
[Outro]
So let us remember on this starry night,
The angel’s good news, the shining light,
With joy in our hearts, let our voices join,
For unto us a child is born.
Oh, Gabriel, shining bright,
Bringing good news in the still of the night…
Prayer
Lord as we are just a few days away from celebrating your birth help us not to lose ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the day. Help us to hold onto the things which truly matter, those things which open us to your loving care for the world.
Make us long for those joyful encounters with you. In those moments we once again encounter your true love which changes our lives.
May we have the courage to believe and the faith to be used to accomplish your will. Help us to show to the world the joy with which you fill our lives. Singing, leaping and dancing we share your Good News with everyone around us. Amen.
Copyrights
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Songs
Words of the songs are by Chris Hancock
Music generated on Suno.com
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Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Images
Images where used are from pixabay.com and free for commercial use no attribution required.
