Christ and Culture

Advent Celebration: Second Sunday

4 Dec , 2016  

Second Sunday in Advent–The Shepherds Candle, purple

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.   (Luke 2:16-18)

Angels Visit the Shepherds

govert_flinck_-_aankondiging_aan_de_herders

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:9-10)

Like a mighty army the myriad angles marched away into nothing. The faint light of the stars shone on the awe-struck faces of the shepherds. Momentarily stupefied, they turned to one another. “God came to us with this amazing announcement.”  For a moment, they were just amazed, and then it came to them: “The Messiah! We have to go and see!”

Captured by the import of the message they considered nothing else, leaving their sheep, they raced into the nearby Bethlehem.
There, according to the word of the angel they found the newborn at the breast of a young woman, hardly more than a girl. This domestic scene was set in a barn with all the animals around.

Shepherds Worship Jesus

christmas-1010749_960_720With God’s revelation, they recognized their Messiah in the person of the newborn babe. In simple humility, the shepherds bowed to worship God’s Son born of woman. Their worship was in spirit and in truth.

Jubilant, they headed back to their sheep, loudly praising God. As people called out to them asking what all the fuss was about, the shepherds joyously announced the coming of the Messiah who would deliver God’s people.

They were indeed the first evangelists, proclaiming the Good News that Jesus had come to save us from our sin.

Advent Sunday 2: Prayer

second-advent-candlesGracious Savior, I come before You to acknowledge that You are my Savior and my God. I worship you for Your surrender of Your life, so that I can live with You forever.

Give me the joy that the shepherds experienced in finding our Savior. Holy Spirit give me the boldness to proclaim the Good News to all we meet, telling each that there is a Savior in the world and He has a wonderful gift for each one who believes.

To the glory of God, our Savior; Amen

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