The Night Everything Changed
As darkness fell, nothing was out-of-the-ordinary. The shepherds were in the fields with their sheep, possibly reclining with their back against a rock (uncomfortable!) – watching, like every other night.
Can you imagine their surprise, when right before their slumbering eyes an angel appeared? And I wonder why to them? During the last week, there were lots of important people milling around Bethlehem. The king had decreed a worldwide census; which meant, everyone had to make the trek back to the town of their birth to be counted. Can you imagine the chaos across the country with everyone on the move?
No doubt the shepherds were content to simply be in the fields away from the hustle and bustle in town.
And “suddenly” the angel revealed to lowly shepherds …
the greatest birth announcement ever!
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”. Luke 2:11
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”. Luke 2:13
Literally, the sky burst forth in angelic chorus with a “multitude” singing – announcing the birth of the Christ child.
No one expected anything to change on the –
“night everything changed”.
I wished I could have been there.
I love it when God brings about a “suddenly!”
Do you need a “suddenly” this Christmas? An answer to prayer that “suddenly” bursts out of nowhere?
Allow me to encourage you today – trust in God with all your heart and don’t try to figure everything out, be anxious for nothing, pray about everything – and watch for God’s “suddenly”.
The angel Gabriel said to Mary, “nothing is impossible with God” and indeed, a short while later the scripture was fulfilled, “and she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger …” (Luke 2:7)
Be encouraged this Christmas. Immanuel, “God is with us”, He sees you, cares for you and came for you!
Today’s Prayer:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I am watching for my “suddenly”. You can do more than I can think or even imagine and I trust in you today … nothing is impossible with you”.