DAY 18: Ponder the Mystery: A Contemplative Advent Journey

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:13-14

PONDER: The story of the shepherds continues as their night sky is now filled with an entire army of angels, radiating the glory of God so brightly that the galaxy of stars fades from sight. You can almost feel the rumble of voices worshipping God, reverberating the good news that leads the way to uniting heaven and earth. It takes the breath away. Overwhelming wonder. All-consuming joy!

RESOND: Imagine standing in the field with those hard-working shepherds, warming your hands over a campfire. Feel your weariness at the end of the day, ready to rest. Just as you settle in for the night, suddenly the sky explodes in light that seems to split open all of creation to reveal thousands upon thousands of heavenly beings united in angelic song. What is happening within you as you witness this sight that is beyond any descriptive words, beyond understanding, beyond anything you could even imagine? Sense the brilliance of glory filling you, ministering to you?

How does this scene speak to you today, especially as you sense disunity, destruction, or disfunction around the world? How does this glory and promise of “peace on earth” change you? What is the grace you seek from God that allows you to hold this reality close to your heart in days to come?

A BLESSING: May God eternally bless you and keep you shining in the light of Glory. May you hear the angels singing over you their songs of salvation and beauty and the freedom with deep and lasting peace. Amen.