Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Dear God,

Today one of the shepherds appeared near the stable.  Out in the field with baby lambs that shepherd will become part of the world's greatest story.  Each day I place one more character by the stable in the unfolding Christmas story.  Each time I feel the anticipation of Christmas joy!

I am so loving Advent.  I have said it before but I can't stop saying it.  Every time I pull a character out of the drawer and place it near the Christmas scene, I feel joyous anticipation.  I never tire of the wondrous story.

I remember standing in Shepherd's Field in Bethlehem in the 1990's.  To think that shepherds were simply doing what they always do, tending the sheep, they could never have imagined your beautiful call to them to join in the celebration.  And as I stood there among the sheep dung, I too could hear and see the angels and their singing.  Today Advent is still new and fresh.  I am waiting and so ready for Christ!

Holy God,
thank you
for this
beautiful time
of the year.
Thank you
for shepherds
who responded
to the call
to come
and celebrate.
Thank you
for calling me too.

Love, Andrea