DAY 19: Ponder the Mystery: A Contemplative Advent Journey

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in a manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them…The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them. Luke 2:16-18, 20.

PONDER: After the miraculous heavenly encounter in the fields, this band of shepherds took God at his word and literally ran back to Bethlehem in search of the Savior-child lying in a manger. Perhaps a lantern or torch in the cave stable made it easy to spot. Imagine them arriving, turning the corner and nearly stumbling over each other to be the first to see this sight. Out of breath but still glory-filled, they cry out at the sight of the infant swaddled in a manager and begin telling Mary and Joseph all that had occurred… joy springing from their souls…amazed.

RESPOND:  When you consider your response over the years to the reality of Jesus with you, have you been hesitant in your approach to him? Have you simply followed the crowd? What would it be like if you, like the shepherds, ran to Jesus, and had a sense of excitement in telling Jesus about all that you had experienced in your day or night? Imagine the scene with the Shepherds as daylight begins to break and they depart. Step outside the stable and find a place alone and imagine watching the sun rise over the fields. What is it that fills your heart and soul? Allow the fullness of this experience to simply dwell within you. How will you express these feelings and thoughts to God? How has this event spoken to you and touched you?

A BLESSING: May you be inspired with glory-filled reasons to run to Jesus today. May your life become holy offering that inspires creative expressions of love and joy. May the sun rise on you and fill your days with the wonder and light at the coming of Jesus. Amen.