We know the Christmas story by heart so it is amazing when a new insight leaps off the pages of my Bible. In Luke 2, the angels do quite a bit of talking with the shepherds.
These shepherds were just going about their normal day, doing what they did each and every day, tending their sheep. While it was a full conversation, it was this verse that my thoughts returned to, over and over:
“And you will recognize him by this sign….”
(verse 12)
The shepherds were no different than any of us. They wanted a sign just as much as any of us do today. In the middle of our situations, and our doubts, we want a sign to recognize that God is with us. We long to see Him, to know Him, and His workings.
I love that God knew these ordinary shepherds would need a sign. In His grace and mercy, He provided one for them. He told them how they would recognize the One that had long been awaited.
But here is the thing … they probably would not have been looking for a baby. They would have been looking for the Messiah, a King, who was going to turn their world upside down and restore order and justice. They wanted the political order of their day to be changed. They thought their need was for a king and justice. God knew they needed a Savior.
The shepherds would have overlooked the baby in a manger if not that they were given a full description:
“And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” (verse 12, NLT)
Perhaps we sometimes do not see Him in our lives because we are looking for our own expectations to be met. He is easily overlooked in the common and mundane, and He is there all along. The shepherds found Him in a manger. In a stable with the smells and messes to be found in a common stable. He is in our messes as well. We may not need to look far but just open our eyes to see Him before us.
Today may we see Him in our ordinary day
in unexpected ways
for He truly knows best what we need in our lives.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and #RaRaLinkup .
Thank you, Joanne. I’m so enjoying your thoughts for Advent.
I am loving the thoughts of all of us for Advent. It is so meaningful to see how God reveals Himself to each of us.
Thank you for these words. It is so easy for me to look for Jesus in all the wrong places and then to be disappointed when I cannot find him. Seeking Him in the Word will give us the truth and understanding we need to find God in our everyday lives.
I love the Chris Tomlin song.
Yes, Chris Tomlin surely brings a beauty to these familiar Christmas songs! Blessings to you and yours, Mary!
Joanne,
How true that we have our own preconceived notions of what WE expect. Jesus came to meet us on His terms, not ours. This Advent season, may I put down my expectations and surrender to what He has in store….
Advent Blessings,
Bev
Amen, Bev! Looking forward to all He has in store for you and RCF. Abundant blessings!
Love how God stepped into ordinary lives with the ordinary but extraordinary birth of His Son. Thanks, Joanne.
May this never fail to fall fresh on us, Rachel. May you & yours have a blessed Christmas!