Spirituality Resources

On Being Shepherds

INTRODUCTION
In our reading today, a census brings Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. How often a simple, almost unseemly event brings us to a place unfamiliar, sometimes unattractive, maybe even hostile and cold, only to have waiting for us there, the experience of our most profound conversion or greatest joy! The Lord leads us in ways we cannot comprehend.

INVITATION TO PRAYER
Let us pray: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 2:1-20

LITANY LEADER: It was the presence of the unfamiliar that alerted the shepherds to stop doing the familiar and turn their attention to what they did not know.

ALL: Mary and Joseph, be our courage and guide along life's journey.

LEADER: The shepherds brought the fullness of their attention and the depth of their presence to the voices of the angelic choirs.

ALL: Mary and Joseph help us to attend to the prompting of grace.

LEADER: It was in blind trust and expectant faith that the shepherds went in haste and found all that the Lord had told them through the prophets.

ALL: Mary and Joseph, be our star as we journey in faith seeking the Lord.

RITUAL
Each person might write down his or her name and place of birth on a piece of paper and place it on the prayer table, symbolic of the census taken at the time of Jesus' birth.

REFLECTIVE LISTENING
Play soft music as each person enters into the ritual and journeys to the prayer table. Suggested songs: Angels We Have Heard on High; Silent Night

GUIDED REFLECTION
The shepherds were graced to be where they were that holy night. They were able to be part of the greatest moment the world has ever known. We can expect the unexpected if we too alert our senses to the unfamiliar around us! The shepherds' hearts were burning within them that night. In a flash the stories told them long ago suddenly took on a whole new dimension—a Savior was born; a son of David; a star in the heavens! Could this possibly be that moment? What a challenge to their faith!

JOURNALING
Christmas is not a day—it is an event! What have you been told about the place, time, date, and circumstances of your birth? Write down what you have been told and be mindful of the gratitude you owe your parents who gave you life! You might choose to write a short prayer of gratitude for your Christmas, your birth, and include a prayer of blessing for all who will be born this day throughout the world. Lord, for the gift of my birth, I . . .

Suggested Scripture reading for further reflection: Ezekiel 34:11-15 Luke 15:3-7

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