The Dance
Luke 2:8-10 "And there were shepherds living out in
the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the
Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were terrified. But the angel said to them, don’t be afraid. I bring you news of
great joy that will be for all the people." NIV
Mr Tumnus our pigmy goat, who had arrived 2 weeks earlier, just wasn’t doing
well. My daughter had been spending lots of time with him down in the goat barn,
but for most of the day he wandered around forlorn and lonely, bleating in a
heart wrenching fashion.
Finally we decided to call the goat herder and let them know of this problem.
During the conversation the herder decided to part with Lucy, Mr Tumnus’s
mother. As goats are herd animals he felt that this would solve the dilemma.
A few days later we brought Lucy home and dropped her off in the goat yard, then
walked up to the secondary pen behind the house to fetch Mr Tumnus. As we led
him down toward the yard, Lucy suddenly spotted him and let out a mighty cry.
Upon hearing and recognizing the truth of the moment Mr Tumnus responded with
great joy. Once reunited they rose, as one accord, onto their hind legs and
danced round and round, butting heads and singing a goaty song of delight for
the entire world to hear.
Joy does that. It fills the heart and soul and mind with a delight which bubbles
up inside then freely spills over for all to see and embrace. Such effervescent
joy also filled the hearts of a handful of poor shepherds long, long ago as they
tended their flock on a hillside outside the city of Bethlehem where Emmanuel,
God with us, was born in a lowly manger. Upon receiving the message announcing
his birth they said:
Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has
told us about. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who
was lying in the manger. Luke 2:15b-16 NIV
And when they realized the truth of the moment that indeed this was the God
promised, long awaited Saviour of mankind, the delight of such news must surely
have risen up, dancing in their hearts with such joy, that it freely flowed over
for all to see and embrace for as the Scriptures record:
"They spread the word concerning what had been told
them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds
said to them." Luke 2:17,18 NIV
Emmanuel, God with us. Truth so long ago revealed to the shepherds. Truth today,
right now, revealed to each and every one who dares to believe and embrace the
joy of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord, for whom we celebrate this
season called Christmas.
Prayer: Father God open hearts anew this season to embrace the joyful dance of
eternal life with Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world. In Christ’s name we
pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC