December 18, 2002


a shepherd's story
Posted by Bryan

It was a night like no other, though I had done it a thousand times. The sheep calmly grazed by a bright star-filled night. My friends kept watch, commenting on the brilliance of one particular star overhead. I had just laid my head on a stone for a nap when a frightening light filled the air.

Scared sheep don't make good hiding places.


It was an angel, giving words of comfort.

Don't be afraid I bring good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

We still weren't quite so sure.

Suddenly, the angel was surrounded by a host from heaven, singing,

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill toward men!

Then they were gone.

After we picked ourselves off the ground, I suggested we go to Bethlehem to find this infant who would give salvation to one like me.
unclean unworthy a sinner

Just like the angel said, when we went into town we found the baby.
Wrapped in swaddling cloths Lying in a manger

Gathering around the infant, we watched Him And we worshipped Him.
Coo Spit up Squeal with delight Cry in hunger

Then, He smiled at me, and dropped off to sleep.

He was ordinarily beautiful

Regally plain


Divinely human


After quietly stepping out, we ran through the streets telling everyone we met
God has kept His promise!


He has sent His Savior!


To God be the glory!




It's hard to believe that was more than thirty years ago.

Just the other day, I watched from afar as Roman Centurians hammered spikes through the wrists and ankles of a rabble-rousing Rabbi. They nailed him to the cross.
His crime?
Teaching about God. Healing the sick. Providing miracles.


They called him a threat a blasphemer an agent of Satan.

Soon the crowds gathered to look at Him who they had pierced
mocking teasing scorning taunting

I was too far away to hear the words He spoke to two criminals on either side of Him.
One smiled peacefully in his last moments. The other wept bitterly in his.

This One in the middle abandoned by everyone. You know who He is

He was that baby

laying in the manger wrapped in swaddling cloths introduced by the angelic choir


His name was Jesus


In the shadow of the cross, the manger seems so far away, so long ago.

And I couldn't go near I was filled with dread

After a horrible silence, He cried out

it is finished


Then He was gone

Friends and followers later took and buried Him in a borrowed tomb.
that was three days ago


But this morning, the most unusual thing happened

Mary, the one who was once a demon-possessed prostitute
Peter, the former fisherman
And the one Jesus loved like a brother I think his name is John

They've come, saying something amazing
They say His tomb is empty
I had to see it for myself

The tomb is empty!


Jesus

The baby born to a virgin
The child who amazed the scholars
The man who performed miracles - just to prove He could forgive sins
The Rabbi who frustrated the establishment

Is alive

He is the Savior!

He is Lord!

He's alive!

December 18, 2002 1:57 PM
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