It is often the simple things in life that are the best, bringing us the most joy. A couple of days ago, on the last minute, I was invited to join in an afternoon of Christmas celebrations with a small group of cyclists I hardly knew. I went along and spent an amazing afternoon on a local allotment belonging to one of the group members. I arrived donning a warm coat, woolie hat, scarf and gloves. The sky was clear, and the sun was shining and spirits were raised. Firstly, we made Christmas wreaths out of natural materials found around us on the allotment, with a few added bits and pieces, followed by a lovely share and taste meal, which included homemade leek and potato soup, chunky bread, cooked meats, and homemade mince pies … delicious! Then to top off the afternoon we sat round a log fire, toasting marshmallows on sticks and drinking hot mulled wine and spicy apple juice, singing carols. If I hadn’t been in a festive mood already it certainly would have got me that way!
Sometimes the unexpected and simple things in life are the best. So it must have been to the shepherds experiencing an ordinary day and night when suddenly the angel appeared to them as they sat watching over their sheep in the fields. Suddenly everything changed in that moment for them. The angel appeared and initially they must have been afraid, seeing an angel before them, before they were reassured that no harm would come to them.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people". Luke 2:10
And when they looked up there in front of them was a sky shining so brightly it must have hurt their eyes. There was a sky full of angels, more than they could imagine or even count.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” Luke 2:13-14
What excitement and joy they must have felt as they watched and listened to what was being said to them. No longer afraid but excitement, joy and ultimately hope of what was to come for them, they took ‘time out’, to go and find the babe born simply to ordinary parents.
So, this Christmas, as you start your celebrations make time to enjoy the simple things of the season and ultimately celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of our Lord. Alleluia!
Kathy Shaw
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