Stations of the Manger 10

Stations of the Manger 10. Shepherds Visited by an Angel

Christmas Evening

Nativity Scene: Some shepherds and sheep are added to the scene.

Scripture: (Luke 2:8-20)
And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were very afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: You shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth among all people. And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the
20saying that was spoken to them about this child. And all who heard it wondered at the things that were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

Reflection: The message of the gift of Christ comes to those who are willing to listen, like the shepherds on the hill. This whole passage could be summed up with a phrase from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.” How often the first words to us from heaven are not to be afraid – do not fear! We read this in scripture many, many times. We know, then, like the shepherds, that God is there, and all will be well.

Prayer: Dear Father, we ask You to make perfect all good things that are begun. We ask You to make perfect Christ’s life in us, that we may come to know, love and serve him in a way You would bless. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

Hymn(s): First Noel; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Response: The Christmas season begins today and extends up to Epiphany. Keep the spirit alive throughout the year by continuing to find the image of Christ inside of each person you meet, including the one you see every morning in the mirror. Look past the ego into their heart. Forgive what their false ego self does and says, for their true self could never say or do those things.


Blessings to all,

Brother