The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:20).

William Bell Smith – National Gallery of Scotland

The first Christians saw the story of the shepherds as their story. Like the shepherds, they also felt led to the side of one who was God’s offer of a new beginning for humanity. They also fell to their knees as they glorified and praised God. And they too lived to share the good news of how their lives were changed by this encounter with the Holy One.

I love this depiction of the adoration of the shepherds by a nineteenth century Scottish artist, who included not only women among the shepherds but also a bag piper! It encourages me to think how our adoration might be more inclusive, and more distinctive …

As one year gives way to another, by the grace of God, we join the shepherds and generations of Christians before us in praise and adoration. We will gather in St. Andrew’s Halll for an informal hour to sing all the remaining carols (particularly those referencing the shepherds!) and lift up our prayers.

If you are in the area, we warmly invite you to join us!

I am humming the tunes already … Angels from the realms of glory, The first nowell, See amid the winter’s snow, In the bleak mid-winter, Go tell it on the mountain …

Comments are closed.

Post Navigation