Abbey Advent: Kindness Week 3 day 5

Day 5 - Shepherds

Read Luke 2:8-20.

Shepherds in that day were pretty much the low men on the social and economic totem pole. They were among the lowest of the common laborers - spending their days and nights out away from the rest of humanity in fields and pastures in the company of only each other and lots of sheep. 

Then one mundane night, suddenly and out of nowhere, an angel appears! We have no real idea of what this would have been like for them. Suffice to say it was out of the ordinary. They are initially terrified. Appropriate, I think, remembering yesterday. The angel kindly reassures them, “Don’t be afraid.” And then this, “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” 

Kindness.

Let’s not miss the more subtle but far greater kindness, not just to these individuals, but to people like them around the world and through the centuries to follow. God is showing us His heart and reordering our priorities and values. This is arguably the most important news in all of history - ever - and the very first people He chooses to tell are not the “influencers”, not the “leaders”, but the lowest, the poorest, the least significant by the common standard. He is powerfully and kindly flipping the social order on its head. He is beginning this miracle of salvation from the bottom up.  He is setting the course that continues to this present day. 

Now notice what happens, what their reaction is: they rush to return the kindness. 

 “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby…” I love that image.

But what do they bring to offer as gifts? 

Whenever we go to visit a new mother, my wife is adamant that we bring some kind of congratulatory gift. It’s a common courtesy, a kindness. The magi knew this and would later bring really expensive gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

What can these poor shepherds bring? They have virtually nothing, especially for a baby king.  So what do they do? 

They come and bring their presence. They bring their love and their wonder. They bring themselves to be with this little family. 

With is a wonderful word and an even better gift. 

Jesus, God with us.

Reflection

Morning Pause: As you begin the day, ask God to give you a very real sense of His presence, His with-ness to you today. Enter the day with a heart that rushes to be with Jesus.

Afternoon Pause:  Have you noticed any experiences of God with you and you with God in any specific ways? Ask for more experiences and more awareness and continue your day curious.

Evening Pause:  As you close the day, take stock of how you experienced the presence, the with-ness of God today. Sleep knowing that your Father really enjoyed your curiosity and being with you today.