Luke 2: 15-20
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Matthew 2: 9-12
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Reflection
So, the New Year has started. How time flies. It is only just over two weeks since Christmas. Three weeks ago we were preparing for our carol services. These days there is hardly time to stop and think. Life is so helter-skelter. We have just had the first full week of work, and having got the plates back up in the air we are trying to remember the resolutions we made!
But stop and think we should. And start with awe and wonder that the Son of God, the Word, through whom all things were made, Jesus in whom we believe, began life as a tiny baby – totally helpless (FACT!). This is Jesus our saviour. Let that sink in.
I think we can then learn from both the shepherds and Magi. Very different, but both telling us something about how we should worship, now, as we start 2025. That first night, when the angels came, the shepherds were the only ones awake. They were working, keeping an eye on their sheep. Up on the hill they were away from the community. Perhaps just as well – they were a bit smelly of sheep! Anyway, they hear the good news and watch the heavenly celebration. When the angels have gone, what do they do? They were not typically English, that’s for sure! Simple – they say, “let’s go and see”. They go, they see, they tell their story and leave to praise God and tell others. They were the first missionaries! But it starts with that simple decision, commitment and wide-eyed worship.
The Magi (three Kings, Wise Men) are totally different. Elite thinkers from a distant land they have travelled many weeks, most likely after much deliberation and planning. It would have been a large retinue of people and camels. Imagine! They have met Herod, probably been amused at his amateur ineptitude – but glad to have a guide from the Jewish scriptures. We see their joy when they realise they have arrived. What do they do?
Here is the nudge. The first thing they do is to worship! Extraordinary! Three grown men – kings and all, on their knees, in a simple lowly space before a baby born into absolute poverty. Then they give their gifts. And then something strange happens. They are advised by the God they have now seen to go home a different way. What conversations they must have had.
So, for us – as we start 2025 - let us learn from the shepherds… “Keep it simple, dummie”. And like the Magi keep our priorities right. Worship first, with all our heart. soul, mind and strength, with profound gratitude for God’s amazing patience and grace. Then we offer our gifts – ourselves – for his service. We abandon ourselves into his hands. Then who knows what might happen – maybe a different way is shown… God’s in change.
God is our Father, and he loves us, in Jesus name. Let us pray:
“Abba, Father,
I abandon myself into your hands.
Do with me what you will.
Whatever you do I thank you.
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures. I wish no more than this O lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul.
I do this with all the love in my heart,
For I love you Lord,
and so I need to give myself to you,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve, and with boundless confidence,
For you are my Father. “
AMEN
(Charles de Foucauld)
Respond
