Advent Three
Luke 2.8-18
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
As we edge ever closer to Christmas day, we are joined by some shepherds, who were on the hillside the night that Jesus was born. Ordinary men, whose lives were interrupted by a heavenly host of angels, telling them not to be afraid, but to go and see for themselves the good news. Although commentators have different opinions regarding the shepherds, most agree that in their society they were deemed to be on the edge, often outsiders. Yet, here they were, caring for their flock and the first to be invited to go and welcome the new-born King, for the good news of Jesus is for everyone.
This year we have been reminded how very grateful we are for those folks who work hard, day and night, sometimes round the clock, to keep us all going – both in paid and unpaid roles. And so, this week, we ask God’s blessing upon all key workers and volunteers – nurses, doctors, teachers, police, childminders, supermarket staff, delivery drivers, scientists, posties, funeral directors, foodbank volunteers, local support groups, to name but a few – as they keep on keeping on: caring, helping, supporting, inspiring and loving and consider ways that we might show them that we are thankful for all that they do.
'QR' CODE
In case you are puzzled as to what the 'purple circle with dots' at the top of this page is... read on!
The circle contains what is called the QR Code and a larger copy of the QR Code has been placed on our Church Notice Board.
Anyone passing with a mobile phone can simply point it at the code and before you can shout 'BETHLEHEM' they have the story that you have just read above on their phone and can read it as they make their way home.
If you have a smart phone or tablet try it. Simply go to your camera and point it at the circle above. Make sure that it is all in frame.
You should immediately get a message on you screen entitled 'WEBSITE OR CODE'.
Click on this message and you will be asked if you would like to open it.
Simply click on 'view' (or download if you want to keep it for later!).
Just like the Nativity Story... A-maze-ing!
Continued next week!
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