When Heaven Kissed Earth (part 2)

The Excitement

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2: 9-10 (ESV) Context-Luke 2:8-15

When Divine messengers appeared in the shepherd's field that night long ago, it was not to show off, it was to show forth, (a heads up it seems for our personal and church activity). Nevertheless, it is an overwhelming experience when revelation comes down from the celestial of heaven to the common of earth. The shepherds, suddenly face to face with an angel, and surrounded by the glory of God, were terrified. Thankfully, heavens mission was to transform not to terrify; and so immediately the gentle, soothing words "fear not" were spoken. Yes, an invitation to the Divine life was taking place and was the greater miracle that night, not the intensity of the display.

To picture the merging of heaven and earth that the shepherds witnessed is beyond imagination. How long the angels had yearned for this moment when they would be sent and burst forth from heaven onto our soil announcing the rescue taking place by Immanuel, "God with us." While the presentation was spectacular that night, the revelation was sublime! The majestic words "A Savior was born for you... and you will find Him" rang in the shepherds ears as it penetrated the previously quiet atmosphere...and the ringing continues 2000 years later, right now, in this moment.  Can you hear it?

In the amazement and excitement of heaven on earth before the shepherds eyes, it would have been understandable for them to worship their "experience" and miss the "emphasis." It is not uncommon to exalt personal experience and build shrines to the excitement of revelations we witness. What a place to start a church or erect a monument or statue to the angels! Why people would come for miles and would even pay perhaps. NO!...that was not on the shepherds minds, for after the angels left the scene, the language in Luke 2:15 implies the shepherds excitedly repeated to one another, "let's go." They understood  the heavenly experience was never meant to center on the method of delivery or the messengers who delivered the news...it was to be about the Message, the Deliverer, Jesus! So off they went to seek Jesus the Savior, who is still saving today...do you have that?

Prayer: Jesus, keep me focused on the truth that your Father's desire is for you to be the center of excitement and message in my life. May I never be caught up in activity...even religious activity for or about you, more than I am caught up in you. May I be a channel and not simply a container of your glory...amen.