Day 22 Luke 2 verses 13 – 15 (Shepherds rejoice)
Bible Reading – Luke 2 verses 13 – 15
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Opening Prayer
Loving God, we do not often have a heavenly host appear before us but we do hear your quiet whispers to us. Help us to hear those words and stir us to action in your service. Amen
Reflection
I love the matter-of-fact response by the shepherds. Particularly having been visited not by one angel but a heavenly host of angels. It is prime material for a sketch show. “That was impressive. Shall we go? Nah – it was just angels…”
I expect the reality was somewhat more excited and instantaneous. I like to think of them just dropping everything and rushing off down the hillside with an almost unspoken agreement that they had better get there as quickly as possible.
As we hear suggestions and requests from God, I wonder if we too are prepared to “drop everything” and take to the path we have been shown. If you are anything like me, there are doubts and fears in any such decision. Is it really God calling? What will others think of me?
It was amusing that after I had written “If an angel came to see you” which is all about answering God’s call we had a “Mission” meeting at church. I felt the words spoke into the discussion we were having. I said I have just written some words which think are appropriate. Before I could speak I heard a loudly whispered “Oh no”! Despite this “encouragement” I do think the words were very appropriate. Will we be the ones who will do these things for God. Mission requires a commitment of time and energy as well as a vision. To paraphrase Jesus – the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. What we lack in numbers we must make up for in energy and enthusiasm. Will we drop everything and run to where God is calling us?
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 –
“Shepherds Rejoice”
As I wrote this one I had the image of the rough shepherds turning up at the stable and Mary offering them a cuddle with the baby. There is little that matches the emotion of holding a baby. It is almost impossible to stop yourself gently kissing their head. So that went in as well!
Shepherds Rejoice (Acoustic)
Words: Chris Hancock
Music: Generated on Suno.com
[Verse 1]
Shepherds rejoice and raise your eyes,
Though awesome, do not fear,
It is good news I bring to you,
The angels’ voice rings clear.
[Verse 2]
Your Saviour has been born,
As prophets long foretold,
He comes a child, as did you all,
A child to save the world.
[Chorus]
Go, hold this holy child,
As the angel said,
Hold him in rough hands,
Gently kiss his head.
[Verse 3]
“Go see the Saviour” was their call,
The call remains the same,
To all, the angels call goes out,
“Come and see this babe”.
[Verse 4]
In a manger he is found,
worn smooth while oxen fed,
Go shepherds see the infant there,
Cradled in straw filled bed.
[Chorus]
Go, hold this holy child,
As the angel said,
Hold him in rough hands,
Gently kiss his head.
[Verse 7]
Gabriel sings and all around,
The heavenly host joins in,
So it is that on the earth,
We with the angels sing.
[Bridge]
All glory to the Lord our God.
Let peace come to the earth.
Let all creation join and sing.
Of this child, our Saviours bith.
All glory to the Lord our God.
Let peace come to the earth.
Shepherds Rejoice (Rock)
Words: Chris Hancock
Music: Generated on Suno.com
[Verse 1]
Shepherds rejoice and raise your eyes,
Though awesome, do not fear,
It is good news I bring to you,
The angels’ voice rings clear.
[Verse 2]
Your Saviour has been born,
He comes a child, as did you all,
As prophets long foretold,
A child to save the world.
[Chorus]
Go, hold this holy child,
As the angel said,
Hold him in rough hands,
Gently kiss his head.
[Verse 3]
“Go see the Saviour” was their call,
The call remains the same,
To all, the angels call goes out,
“Come and see this babe”.
[Verse 4]
In a manger he is found,
worn smooth while oxen fed,
Go shepherds see the infant there,
Cradled in straw filled bed.
[Chorus]
Go, hold this holy child,
As the angel said,
Hold him in rough hands,
Gently kiss his head.
[Verse 5]
“Go see the Saviour” was their call,
The call remains the same,
To all, the angels call goes out,
“Come and see this babe”.
[Verse 6]
In a manger he is found,
worn smooth while oxen fed,
Go shepherds see the infant there,
Cradled in straw filled bed.
[Chorus]
Go, hold this holy child,
As the angel said,
Hold him in rough hands,
Gently kiss his head.
[Verse 7]
Gabriel sings and all around,
The heavenly host joins in,
So it is that on the earth,
We with the angels sing.
[Bridge]
All glory to the Lord our God.
Let peace come to the earth.
Let all creation join and sing.
Of this child, our Saviours bith.
All glory to the Lord our God.
Let peace come to the earth.
[Outro]
All glory to the Lord our God
Let peace come to the earth
Prayer
Dear Lord, as we reflect on the story of the shepherds, we imagine their eagerness to so and see the miracle of your birth.
They were, I am sure, filled with wonder and awe. We too are filled with awe and wonder as we experience your presence in our lives.
Help us to hear your word and to follow where you lead. May we, like the shepherds, willing to set aside our “normal” and seek out the wonders of your love. As we draw near to Christmas Day we continue to thank you for the gift of your son. For the hope and joy that Jesus brings into our lives, every day of our lives. 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
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