There was going to be a meteor shower after midnight. We lived in the country. The night was clear; the weather was pleasant. We took blankets out to spread on the front lawn. Our country dog thought, “This is amazing! My people are sleeping with me tonight!” We lay down on our backs looking up at the night sky, talking, waiting, anticipating.
Suddenly the first streak crossed the sky, then in a few minutes another, followed by another, and then dozens more. It was breathtaking. We oohed and aahed. We were wide awake in the middle of the night, and no one minded. It was joyful!
Watching those meteors stirred me to imagine what a group of shepherds long ago felt when the night sky lit up for them. Luke tells the story in Luke 2:8-20. He writes, “The radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them, and the angel reassured them, ‘Don’t be afraid, I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem.’”
This advent season practice being filled with awe and wonder. Practice being filled with joy. Your Savior has come!
Ramona Ruebush
.svg)