An Advent Reflection by Harry Neary, Beaminster Team Online Media.
Read
Luke 2:15-18 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
Reflect
I’ve got to admire the shepherds. I never want to go anywhere at Christmas. After a month of hardly seeing my wife I guard the private time our family enjoys from midday on Christmas day as jealously as a dragon guarding his hoard of gold. We visit no one, no one visits us. There’s no “keep out” sign on The Vicarage door, but it is implied. Don’t you dare knock. It is a time for my wife, our three children, and I to get together and celebrate our little family.
It is also a time to reflect on the empty seats at the table. I lost the twins’ mum, and my own mother, all too soon. Both left their mark on my Christmases due to their love and kindness. For me the family celebration of Christmas includes their wonderful memory as much as it does those of here at The Vicarage, my little hoard of gold, our jealously guarded precious little party of five.
Pray
I pray for all of those who have empty spaces at the Christmas table this year, that the wonderful memories are those that sparkle, and make themselves uppermost in their mind.
Act
Take some time to be with the most important people in your life. And let them know how much they mean to you.
-Harry Neary, Beaminster Team Online Media.
You can read all of the Advent Reflections via the following link – Advent Reflections 2019.