“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."
-Luke 2:8-20
1st Day After Christmas
December 26, 2021
Jesus Is Coming, Jesus is Coming
Paul Revere was famously revered for his horseback ride announcing the impending attack by the British against the colonists. There were lookouts stationed at borders and shorelines to stand watch to give “light” signals: one if by land, two if by sea.
In Luke 2:8-20, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds tending to their flocks by night. Despite their reverent fear of such a surprise angelic appearance, the shepherds were told to “fear not” because good news will cause great joy for all people. In verses 11 & 12 a Savior is born in the town of David, wrapped in swaddling clothing, laying in a manger. No “one if by land, two if by sea” light signals were provided. Instead, God provided the North Star as the light to guide the shepherds to Bethlehem, the town of David, to bear witness.
When they had seen the Baby Jesus, the shepherds spread the good news about the arrival of a Savior. Upon returning home, the shepherds glorified and praised God for all that they had seen and heard.
Just like Paul Revere, let us go about the land to announce – Jesus is Coming, Jesus Is Coming!
Prayer
We know not the day, nor the hour so, do not be afraid. Instead, let us prepare our hearts and minds that Jesus is coming! Amen.
Reverend Geoffrey E. Tate, Sr.
Ministerial Staff
Advent 2021
Join us in a time of reflection, expectation, and contemplation during the season of Advent 2021.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you to hear the words of those reflecting, anticipating, and contemplating with you in community as we thank God for what God has done, notice what God is actively doing and anticipate what God will do next.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.