The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. ”   Luke 2 : 8 - 11

Readings this week :  2 Samuel 7 : 1 – 11, 16; Romans 16 : 25 - end; Luke 1 : 26 - 38

The shepherds carried the excitement of the Good News that Jesus had been born. They had experienced the announcement of the angels (I imagine shepherds were people not easily phased by hardship, danger or even unexplained phenomena – but this was clearly something else!). They ‘hurried’ to Bethlehem, and then spread the word about what they had seen, who they had met.

Yet in the very next verse Luke records, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (v19). Luke repeats these words when the new family come into the temple and meet Simeon and Anna (v51).

Christmas is a time for excitement, wonder, joy. Yet we are also called over the next days and weeks to take Jesus’ birth deep into our lives. To retreat for a while. Ponder, reflect on our lives and all that has been happening to us. What Christ’s birth says to us about being restored in Him, renewed. How what we see and know has been changed.

We all need a time of retreat, of quietness, of peace and renewal. Jesus’ birth comes in the depths of Winter. As we draw into our homes, into ourselves, we can allow the Lord to speak into our lives and renew us.

Rev Paul

Prayers this week

Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son

to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin:

grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace,

may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Lord Jesus Christ,

your birth at Bethlehem draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:

accept our heartfelt praise as we worship you, our Saviour and our eternal God. Amen

People to pray for :

Those away from their families this Christmas

Those showing Jesus love to those in need or suffering