"When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." - Luke 2: 17-19
The shepherds truly saw something beautiful on the night of Jesus' birth. They gazed into the eyes of their own salvation and were changed forever.
The Gospel today highlights the fact that when we encounter Christ in a meaningful way, we will never be the same. Much like the shepherds, when we gaze on the face of our Savior for the first time, we cannot help but sing His praises to all that we know.
This discovery of Truth will necessitate action in our lives. This can be a reinvigorated fight against sin, a call to forgive someone or, like Mary, a call to action that will radically change our lives.
Many of us have suffered this past year. Due to the current pandemic, family members have been laid to rest, freedoms have been restricted and, while we wait on a vaccine, the dawn of this new year lacks the promise of hope compared to years past. However, the Christian can take heart because our hope rests in encountering the Infant who changed the shepherds' lives over 2,000 years ago. This child who would heal the blind, walk on water and call the dead to rise is now eager to give you peace. Never forget, our hope is misplaced if it is not in the Lord.
Where do I find myself misplacing my hope?
Lord, give us the strength and faith to forever place our hope in You.
Reflection by:
Nicholas Gunn
