“Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory”. (1 Tomothy 3:16)
At the end this season of waiting, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus, the word-incarnate. God out of His love of his creation, send a savior, the “Word incarnate” in the person of Jesus as promised through prophets. When we hear “Gloria” at the beginning of our liturgy, we are remembering the greetings of angels to the shepherds informing them of the birth of Jesus. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) . Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”. Are we experiencing Joy “in waiting”?
Why the Shepherds?
Observe with what care God builds up our faith. We see an Angel appearing to Mary, then to Joseph and again an Angel announced the good news to the Shepherds, who are hardworking ordinary people, a cross sectional average Judean with no social status, working day and night to make a living, and mainly living in the fields.
In all these cases, Angel’s greetings included a message from God and the consoling words “Do not be afraid”. Remember, Angels did not go to Jerusalem to inform the authorities about the good news, instead they went first to ordinary people like the shepherds, or in our time you and me.
Nowhere in the whole course of the Old Testament do we find that the Angels who appear to the Patriarchs came this way. The privilege was rightly kept for this time when a light to them that was true of love from heart arose in the darkness. The glory of God shone around Jesus; He is sent forth from the womb, but He shines from heaven. This message is not for Jewish people alone but for whole humanity.
God chose these humble shepherds who felt very ordinary in their heart now felt honoured and experienced the love of God by hearing the greatest news. They went to see Jesus, accepted the whole event in faith and shared the good news with others. We have been preparing and waiting to receive that light into our heart during this advent season. Are you ready to receive the light in to your heart?
“For us a savior has been born, who is Messiah and Lord”. Let us adore Him, receive Him into our heart, and share the good news with others. Again,
Are you READY?
Wish you all a happy and blessed Christmas! – Deacon Mathew
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