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Sunday, December 08, 2024

Second Sunday of Advent 2024 - Peace of Wonder



The night sky dances with sparkling lights, vast and full of possibility. A navigator in the Air Force during WW2, my daddy knows the geography of the heavens. On a clear night we slip outside to look up at the night sky, and he points out various constellations and planets. Two stars on the Big Dipper’s bowl form an imaginary line to the North Star, the tip of the handle of the Little Dipper. Sitting on the car’s hood, we lie back on the windshield to get the best view. Without big city lights to diminish the splendor, the whole sky boasts its best shine but with a quiet majesty. The hushed tone of the night sighs in harmony with its glory. Known and unknown galaxies far beyond fill me with wonder while greatness and goodness embrace me. Peace is born in me!

A quiet night on a hillside away from the city shepherds watch over their sheep. Suddenly an angel appears, illuminating the darkness, and God’s glory shines all around them. The shepherds feel overwhelmed. The angel says not to worry but know that this celestial announcement brings good news and great joy. A baby has been born in Bethlehem who is Christ the Lord, and you will find him lying in a manger. Suddenly, the whole sky explodes with a heavenly choir of angels singing songs of praise and joy. When the stillness of the evening returns, there is a beauty and splendor in the night sky, like leftover glory. The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem to find the child. As they stand before the baby, there is a whispered holiness of knowing and not fully understanding filling them with wonder while greatness and goodness embrace them. Truly, peace is born on earth this night! -dho

Oh, the wonder of it all… just to think that God loves me. [George Beverly Shea]

* Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 


1 comment:

  1. Beautiful poetry. This bright back memories of times I studied the sky at night!

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