Blazing…

Merry Christmas, beloved!

Luke 2:

^8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

^13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

^15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

^19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

It’s not often that we are able to shock a child with a gift. Usually, they have some idea of the gift, we try to get what they wished for, within reason. This year we are going to shock one child this year and the rest of the family is in on the secret. Every time the child walks out of the room, the discussion rushes back to when the present is opened. Planning. Pondering. Hoping.

I wonder if the angels of heaven felt the same way. They had the most incredible announcement to make. They had a gift to reveal from the Lord of heavenly hosts. Imagine the moment when the heavens were opened and God’s angel made the announcement to the humblest of servants.

Imagine God’s glory blazing through the skies. I wonder if we have a taste of this blazing glory as the sun rises across the skies and as the sun sets. God was in the mood that night to show His glory! He was in the mood to celebrate!

Ponder His glory today. Please slow down. Please don’t let this day go by without reading His story. Celebrating.

Thankfuls:

66. I’m thankful for the little coffee shop, the guitar that strummed the carols.

67. I’m thankful for eggnog.

68. I’m thankful for the chance to surprise.

69. I’m thankful for Joshua being home.

70. I’m thankful for snow on the ground.

71. I’m thankful for a dog who smiles.

72. Thank YOU for reading.

73. Thankful for the pictures in my mind of God’s glory blazing.

74. I am thankful for beautiful songs in which to praise.

Pray on. Pray on.