Today is the Second Sunday of Advent, and in our worship service this morning at church as we lit the 2nd candle, we talked about the Shepherds:
"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.'" Luke 2:8-10
Today we remember the shepherds, workers for the common good, steadfast watchmen isolated and alone, far from the warmth of home, doing the job no one wants. And yet God saw them, God valued them, and God declared the greatest news of all to them alone.
On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the second candle as a symbol of the shepherds, agents of the gospel and redeemers of the world.
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| (picture from our home Advent Wreath, 2017) |
I hope you will take the time to listen to the message today from Isaiah chapter 9. And if you'd like to participate, there is a communion service at the end.
Let's sing along with the Praise Team as we sing: Sing We Now of Christmas:
Sing we now of Christmas, Noel sing we here!
Listen to our praises to the Babe so dear
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all Noel!
Shepherds on the hillside heard the angels sing
Glory, honor, praises to the infant King
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all Noel!
In the town they found Him; Son of Mary mild
Sleeping in a manger was the Holy Child
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all Noel!
Wise Men sought and found Him, treasures did they bring
Bowing down they worshiped Christ the King of kings
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all Noel!
Click Here for another wonderful Advent post about the Shepherds from a few years ago.
We had the 2nd Sunday candle lighted today too. Always special. I love that we are singing the old carols!! I'm glad your service was as significant as ours was. Have a good week ahead, my friend! xo
ReplyDeleteYour home sure is pretty. Blessings.
ReplyDelete"Today we give thanks for the shepherds among us, back-breaking laborers on whom our economy stands, those we overlook ....." Oh Pam, this resonates powerfully! I look forward to watching this message with my coffee tomorrow morning.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and always the Scriptures .
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed my visit here tonight. Enjoy the new week!
ReplyDeleteI loved lighting our second Advent candle last evening, Pamela. May we, like the shepherds, listen and heed the good news of Christ's coming into the world.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
beautiful post today!!! thank you for sharing the Lords day with us
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great how God announced the Christ Child first to simple shepherds and not to the wealthy and well-known people of the world. I love how God does things so opposite of what the world does! Thank you for sharing this 2nd Sunday of Advent with us.
ReplyDeleteOh I love it all dear lady. Isn't the Christ in Christmas just a miracle and a blessing? I hope that your week will be good and I love how you always share God's Word! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteLovely post! It's so different from my childhood--back then almost every home had a manger scene out front. They might've had santas and reindeer AS WELL....but manger scenes were common. Now----you hardly ever see one. So sad. What do people think Christmas is all about???
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Pam. I'm thankful that the great news of Jesus' birth was announced to shepherds--a group shunned by so many. Jesus came for all people.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!