THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS. Gwenda

The majority of people in Scripture were very ordinary people. A man from the backside of the desert, ( Moses ) , a shepherd boy ( David ), a shepherd of Tekoa ( Amos ), fishermen

( Peter ) a tent-maker ( Paul) a tax collector ( Matthew ), a dress-maker ( Dorcas) a home-maker ( Martha ) a businesswoman ( Lydia) a boy with loaves and fishes, shepherds. God stepped into the ordinary circumstances of these people with extraordinary results.

Luke’s delightfully-simple record tells that shepherds were abiding in the fields watching over their flocks by night. Wild dogs and foxes were probably prowling. There may have been a small fire either for personal warmth or to frighten the animals lurking in the dark.

No doubt the shepherds were responsible to care for the flock. Maybe they were preoccupied with thoughts of their families at home. Night-time produces various responses. Our greatest fears are often apparent at night, and problems seem to multiply when all is dark and quiet.

But for shepherds tending sheep something wonderful was about to occur. Into this night scene appeared an angel, the emissary of God’s love to those shepherds. Possibly for the first time in their lives they were aware of God’s love. The simple word ’Lo’ shines as a beacon light to alert us that something significant was about to take place. They were the first to experience release from fear, to be followed by the glory of the Lord.

We find (1) the angel of the Lord ( came upon them ) (2) the glory of the Lord ( shone round about them ) (3 ) the comfort of the Lord (fear not ) (4) the good news of the Lord ( good tidings, great joy ) (5) the provision of the Lord ( for all the people).

Into the darkness of the night the Lord sent His angel. Into their mundane work He sent His glory. In their fear he brought comfort. Whilst they wee abiding He sent good news, and challenged them to spread the good news of the arrival of the Saviour to all people.

Even today the same message appears ‘fear not’ . Out of the blackness of the night comes the brightness of the glory of the Presence of the Lord in various ways.

Recently with a heavy heart I visited a dear friend. As I walked into her dainty little lounge I was immediately comforted by a wall plaque, ‘I know - fear not.’ The glory of the Lord shone round about me at that very moment.

The Lord God sends His angel, with His glory, to light up the dark place, and show forth the brightness with His love and peace. Madam Guyon wrote, ‘ I have learned to love the darkness of sorrow for there I see the brightness of His face.’ That glory often appears as we turn to the Word. When the wild wolves of circumstance lope and snarl to kill, steal, and weaken our faith, the way shines with glory in the radiance of the message, ‘Fear not. I am with you . Be not dismayed, I am Your God.’ One has said, ‘Fear is trust in satan; Faith is trust in God,’

To Jacob the Lord said,’ Fear not, you worm Jacob ( very ordinary material there ) …behold

I will make you a new, sharp , threshing instrument‘…That was the glory of the Lord.

Sometimes the glory of the Lord shines when the phone rings and a friend tells, ‘I’ve been praying for you .‘ Or a note comes in the mail.

Heavenly glory shines as we meditate on His Word. Take one verse of Scripture and consider its meaning. Appreciate the glory of the Lord as the Holy Spirit reveals the meaning and understanding of a verse previously taken for granted. The glory of the Lord enveloped Saul on his way to Damascus as He spoke and said, ‘Saul, Saul,’ and Saul acknowledged His Lordship.

While the shepherds were abiding in the fields, the glorious light shone. ‘To abide’

Is to linger, reside, stay, sojourn, inhabit, tarry, dwell, stop, lodge, continue, wait, remain, endure. We see that glory too, as we abide in Him, and in faith feel His presence , which radiates love, patience, joy and fruitfulness.

Sadly fear prevents a Christian from comprehending good news.

But as the shepherds trusted, so their fear disappeared, and they responded to the startling news of the angel: the swaddled Babe, lying in the manger, born to be Saviour, Christ, Lord. No wonder the shepherds left their sheep and hurried to see this amazing Child.

Their response reflected the glory that shone round them at the visit of the angel and then their sight of the Saviour. They made known everywhere the amazing arrival of the Saviour. No loitering- they hurried to share the good news with everyone.

At this Christmas time, may the glory of your Lord shine into your life so that you may experience His love as you worship Jesus, Christ, the Lord.

May the Lord bless you as you share the good news.