Luke 2:15 NLT

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.”

Every Advent I relive the journey to Bethlehem: sometimes walking in the footsteps of the holy family; sometimes in the company of the Magi and here with the rural shepherds. A group generally distrusted as rogues, thieves and vagabonds by polite society, God allows them to be the first witnesses to the incarnation. Their testimony would have been regarded as unreliable in court, yet it’s so like God to start with the least among humanity.

The shepherds are greeted by the angel, then presented with their own carol service lighting up the sky in spectacular fashion before being invited to go and pay respects to the newborn saviour of the world. It was one supernatural night for the shepherds, who returned to their flocks, buzzing! So, as I imagine responding to the invitation made to everyone, I too make my way to the stable. It’s a journey that enables me to clear my mind of my own concerns and focus on the hope there is for me and for all humanity in the Christmas story.

I refuse to become overfamiliar with the narrative. Rather, I am excited and discover more of the wonder who is Jesus in these familiar narratives. Like the shepherds returning to their flocks, I return from my reflection with my heart uplifted and a deeper sense of God’s provision.

QUESTION: If you have become overfamiliar with the Christmas story, how can you approach its truths afresh this year?

PRAYER: Lord God, may I never lose the wonder of what you did at Christmas as your Son took on human flesh.