God goes to those who have time to hear Him. And so on this cloudless night, He went to simple shepherds. ~ Max Lucado
The earth lay in a silky blanket of night. A quiet breeze drifted across the field, carrying the bleating of the sheep near and far. The gentle whisper of God also floated on the breeze, but no one was listening. Heaven had come to earth, but the people did not discern it.
A miracle was unfolding, but no one noticed
Stars like diamonds glimmered — too numerous to count, too beautiful to fathom. In the eastern sky, a star shone high above the others, its beams of light touching the earth.
The night was still, silent but for the lambs.
But not so for the nearby town of Bethlehem.
A cacophony of jarring noise filled the night in Bethlehem. Travelers from throughout Judea pushed and shuffled through narrow spaces — men, women, and children inconvenienced by the mandate of Caesar Augustus to register for a census. Wagons and carts clanged on the dusty roads. Frustrated people banged on doors and raised voices at innkeepers who had no more room. Others shouted greetings to familiar faces. Horses, sheep, and donkeys added to the fray.
Who would hear God’s Voice?
And just a short distance away — a miracle.
A Child was born.
But the busy, distracted people missed it.
Even the night sky illuminated by His glory went unnoticed by the harried people, and the busy clamor drowned out God’s insistent, gentle whisper.
Beneath the starry sky in a field outside of town, shepherds lounged on meadow grass, resting weary bones, taking in the peaceful stillness of the night. Out of the darkness, light from a brilliant star cast a beam across the flock. Slender reeds of grass bowed in response. The sheep stopped their grazing.
The simple shepherds raised up on their elbows. Jaws dropped. Eyes opened wide with wonder, as the darkness lit up with a heavenly glow, and hearts beat in rhythm with their Maker.
God’s gentle whisper became a symphony
“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” ~ Luke 2:10-11
God’s gentle whisper had become a symphony that could not be ignored.
The night sky was filled with angelic hosts heralding the birth of the Christ Child. The Savior was born! The Messiah had come! The angels’ melody of praise burst through the darkness into the radiance of God’s glory.
Darkness of night was dispelled.
Darkness of soul became illuminated with heavenly Light.
God revealed His miracle to the least of these — the simple shepherd. I wonder if He chose them because the folks in town were too busy to hear His gentle whisper.
SELAH.
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down, and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
Merry Christmas to you and your family Nan. Keeping you in prayer. I visited my daughter Katie in Reno a couple of weeks ago, and she is doing well. Concerned over a nagging cough she has, and that she smokes, I told her I’d quit cigars (which I smoke on weekends) if she’d quit, and starting January we’re going to give it a go for a month, see where it leads. My ex wife Anita has made a good friend in Chico who was laid off , only able to stay at a women’s shelter until January 7th, please keep Darlene in prayer for a job and health (she’s having serious health issues, but keeping up well). Thank you Nan, God bless you and thank you for your ministry.