Friday, 26 December 2025
St Luke 2: 15 – 20
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 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. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Reflection
This story is so familiar. Together with the previous days’ readings it is overlain with so very many years of rich Christmas experiences. A wonderful, wonderful narrative that transports us back in time through our own Christmas celebrations in churches, schools and homes. Memories are peopled by those who have been with us as we have heard, acted and sung this drama of the shepherds finding the baby in the manger in Bethlehem.
I am a romantic when it comes to Christmas. Romantic in the sense that both the theology of it, and the Christian traditions around it, are portals into love and joy.
But then, on the other hand, there is the reality of life in and around Bethlehem today. Our Commitment for Life briefings on Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory keep before us the horror of the suffering of the 21st Century equivalents of the shepherds and their communities. The charity Embrace the Middle East has this year felt the need to launch a campaign “Childhood Behind the Bars” drawing attention to the hundreds of under 18 year old Palestinians held in detention by the Israeli military. Its report makes for chilling reading.
Yet, says John’s Gospel, “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it”. This is our faith. It is this to which we cling. The reaction and behaviour of the shepherds Is a prototype of what has been lived out myriad times in the intervening centuries. Ordinary people hear a life altering message about the Saviour. They agree together to act on the news. They step out in faith and discover that the message is true. The Saviour is present. They can’t stop talking about him and they return to their life and their duties overflowing with praise for his presence.
Prayer
Ever present Saviour,
like those shepherds we glorify and praise God
for all that we have heard and seen of You.
Touch us anew with the wonder of your presence.
Help us to share this good news in ways that others can grasp.
We pray for the people of the land into which you were born.
We pray for peace with justice, for mercy and compassion,
for darkness to be overcome with your light. Amen