December 19

Growing up I was used to hearing the King James version of the Christmas story with the shepherds “keeping watch over their flocks by night.”  My mind’s eye would see something very pastoral, very sanitized, very safe – like Charlie, Linus, and the Peanuts Christmas play transported to a starry, cheery night in ancient Jerusalem.

The CEB version is much more blunt – the shepherds are on guard overnight.  As I’ve known people who have to make a living on the night shift, Luke’s gospel has opened a new perspective in my heart and mind.  Refinery workers and road crews on “graveyards”, police and firefighters on call, clerks manning a register solo in a 24-hour gas station – there’s a loneliness and not a small amount of risk of being on the night shift.

In His infinite wisdom God sent his messengers to be with those on the outskirts of the city, on the edge of the wilderness. He brought light to the darkness where the shepherds were putting their lives on the line. In coming to join those on the night shift, He showed all of us that He would be with us when we find ourselves on the line in the darkness.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for being with us in the darkness.  We pray Your protection over those first responders who keep watch in the night.  Be with us this Advent in those moments when we feel alone.  In Christ’s name, Amen.