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There were shepherds staying in the fields nearby guarding their flocks of sheep.
Luke 2:8 ESV

It was the end of an ordinary day here at the corner house.

While I was at work, hubby did the laundry. After dinner we folded clothes and watched some TV.

Nothing spectacular.

We talked about the uncertain future with his recent health issues, but had peace, knowing God would be with us through it all. We had the reality of Christ in our lives. He headed off to bed a bit early, and I headed outside with my cup of tea to have some quiet time before putting the day to rest.

Later in the evening

I was concerned and a bit irritated when I sensed the light from a car pulling into our driveway.

Yet, when I turned to look, there was no car – just bright light that continued to expand until the entire area was as bright as noonday! My mind raced as I wondered if this was “it”! I started looking and listening for angels!

Then I saw it – a meteor streaking through the sky far overhead. I eventually made it to bed, but it was the first thing I told my husband the following morning. The event made its way to the local news and was the topic of conversation for a few days at work. Everyone was eager to tell their experience of the event, while those who had not seen it wanted to know! Then it faded into the distance – crowded out by the daily “ordinary” of life.

That experience has given me a hint of how a certain group of shepherds must have felt that night in the fields near Bethlehem.

They, too, were finishing up an ordinary day. I imagine they were tired – being a shepherd is hard work and the world of their time was worrisome to say the least. The promise of a Savior to free them from oppression rested within them – written through the years and shared faithfully. Yet, they waited still, wondering “when”.

Another ordinary day

Then, on that one ordinary night, the sky filled with light. The angels announced what generations before them had longed to hear – “Today a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord!” And then the invitation “Come see Him!” And go see Him they did! After their visit they could not wait to share this news with everyone. It is a wonderful account in the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel.

These ordinary folks, on an ordinary night, had only a promise. There was neither tree nor wrapped presents that night. And the only lights twinkling were the stars above. They started their day just like any other – and went to sleep that night knowing the long-awaited promise had arrived.

Some of us will have trees and presents this year. Others won’t. The one thing we all have is the Promise fulfilled – We have a Savior.

We have One to walk beside us as we travel through the oppression of grief and the worrisome world of living alone. We have received the invitation – “Come, see Him”.

In other words, visit with Him, sit with Him, adore Him – let Him in and He will bring peace.

Father, it is easy for us to get lost in the mire of the grief and the loneliness, especially at this time of the year. As we gently go into the holidays, we want to accept Your invitation to “Come and see”. Amen