12/30/20

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid." (Luke 2:9)
The lowly shepherds were out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night. I have often wondered what they were doing besides watching the flock. Maybe they were sitting by a campfire, and telling stories? Were they eating supper? Maybe one of them was talking about the Messiah coming, and ending all the struggles and hardships that the Romans had brought to Judea?
Then, the light sprang into their dark world, making the light from the campfire dim. Before they could react, "the angel of the Lord came upon them..."!
How marvelous and wonderful he must have appeared! I often think of angels, especially guardian angels. I have told others what I think my guardian angel looks like. He is ten feet tall, nothing but a great big gristle, and has a five o'clock shadow. He doesn't carry a sword, he carries a .66 caliber machine gun! (There are 66 books in the Bible.)
"...and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:..." Paul saw a bright light as he travelled to Damascus. It was so bright that he fell to the earth, and was blinded. He was in the presence of the Lord' Himself, our Savior, Jesus Christ. This angel didn't blind them, but he certainly lit up their world!
The shepherds quaked in fear from the magnificent spectacle they beheld, but were told not to be afraid.
Angels are among us. They are not always recognized, nor do they make themselves visible, but they are at work in this world.
If you are a child of God, one is watching over you this day. You may not even realize his presence, but he is not far away, and he is ready to spring into action.
So behave yourself! And relax!
From my heart to your heart.