Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, December 25, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: God becoming flesh does warrant our respect.
I don’t know about you, but if I’d been working my night job and the sky lit up with a host of heavenly angels, I’d be terrified. And when the angels spoke, saying “Do not be afraid,” I’m out! Maybe I’ve seen too many horror movies, but when such an unexpected supernatural event occurs, you don’t stick around to see how it ends.
But these shepherds did stick it out. They watched and listened as the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven!” But it didn’t end there. When the angels left, the shepherds decided to go check it out for themselves. (“No, don’t go into the basement!”)
When they arrived, they found the baby just as the angels had said. But it didn’t end there. They told Mary and Joseph what they had seen. (Here’s the part where the nurses lock them into the asylum for talking crazy.)
Obviously, this isn’t a horror movie, nor is Jesus a scary character. At the same time, Jesus is a powerful player, and certainly scared plenty of people during his lifetime. Nothing important ever gets accomplished without ruffling some feathers, and Jesus ruffled plenty.
Maybe it’s ok to be a little intimidated by this tiny baby with the power of heaven behind him. Maybe we can cultivate a healthy respect for God made flesh. This is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced or ever will again. It’s ok that we don’t fully understand it and that we afford Jesus the respect—and maybe even a little fear—that he warrants.
