Central Truth

We think we have a plan, an ordinary life, and something suddenly happens.  God surprises us and He turns the terror into His blessed peace and reassurance.  He uses the occasion to spread the Good News and transforms fear into joy.

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Reflections

When I imagine the shepherds that night on the hillside with the sheep I see them complaining about the shenanigans of the silly animals. I imagine them retelling rescues from near mishaps and big bad wolf stories by the fireside, when suddenly, God intervenes.  I like that Luke records their honest reaction of terror.  Yet further on in the passage, they hear and accept the reassuring words of the angels, overcome their fears, leave their livelihood, go to the stable to worship and finally start spreading the Good News of the Baby Jesus.  

We too can stand on God's message given by the angels to "not be afraid."  We too can lift our eyes from our circumstances and hear the multitude of angels singing and bathe in "the radiance of God's glory."  We too can visit at the feet of Jesus and worship.  We too can spread the Good News to all the lonely, confused, searching people we encounter.  If we can just change our perspectives and let God open our eyes we will see Him working everything out for good.  

He can give us compassion, tolerance, patience, and kindness through our difficulties and suffering.  He can overcome our fears with His love.  Our testimonies become richer and our lights shine brighter as we embrace the changes God wishes to make.  He will show us what is important and eternal and worthwhile and which things are superficial and meaningless and harmful.  He will surprise us with His blessings.  He will transform our ordinary lives with His love and tender care.  He often changes our direction and purposes to accomplish His direction and purposes.  

Let us embrace His intervention and learn what He longs to teach us and become more Christlike day by day.  Let us throw off anything that distracts us or consumes all our time.  God loves us more than we can comprehend and desires to show us His way and to change us to be the people He wishes us to be.

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Discussion Questions

1. When have you had an ordinary day that was interrupted by God?

2. How can you open your life to God's plan?

3. When was the last time you sat at the feet of Jesus and worshipped?

4. What are you truly thankful for?

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