There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. Luke 2:8-10
Advent…is full of the imagery of God breaking into the settled ways of the world. Sarah Mullaly
Turning aside like Moses to the miracle of the lit bush
Sometimes we are just compelled to turn aside, as the shepherds did (‘let’s go to Bethlehem and see’). Some necessary break is needed from the past or from the unchallenged channel that my life is taking. The God whose life and action is always just below the surface of our world breaks through* like an explosion of light and noise in the sky, uncontained and bursting with, what? Pride? Pleasure in a gift given? Advent is useful and necessary for at least this, a reminder that there is good news and that joy is intended. Had I forgotten? What turning aside am I bid to do in response?
*Rowan Williams in A Good Year