The visit from above

By Noralyn Dudt

"THE FIRST NOEL, the angels did say. Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay."  And so the song goes...   TWO THOUSAND and 23 years ago, in a little-known place called Bethlehem, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to a group of shepherds.  What a glorious sight it must have been ! ( from our perspective now that we know what  happened next) But for the startled shepherds, it was a  scary sight.  The Bible says they were terrified.

"Fear not," the angel said to them. "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." Luke 2:9-12

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." (Luke 2:13-14)

The shepherds' fear quickly turned into joy, and they said to one another,

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

And they "hurried off" and found Mary and Joseph,  and the baby. (Luke 2:15)

Meanwhile, somewhere in a distant land...

"Shining in the East, far beyond was a Star

    And to the earth it gave great light

And so it continued both day and night.....

      And by the light of that same star

Three Wise Men came from country far"

In Christian tradition,  the Magi were the noble pilgrims "from the East" who followed a miraculous guiding star to Bethlehem,  and paid homage to the infant Jesus.

My imagination is running wild—I can picture  the  Magis looking up toward the sky and seeing  a huge  Star, a rather unusual one. "Hmmm...that's quite unusual... so bright… so huge...what might  it be? Has a  King been born,"  they surmised. Believing that some special event had occurred, they made preparations for a long journey.  Bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, 

   "they traversed afar.

  Field and fountain,

     Moor and mountain 

  Following  yonder Star."

CHRISTmas is a shortened form of Christ's Mass. It's  a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian  faith. It's about the birth of Christ. It's about God's demonstration of love--the Creator's  desire to come and live with us. HE came not only to experience and  share our human pain and suffering, but our deaths as well.  HE came to die, and he rose again  that we may live. 

We celebrate the season with tinsel and twinkling  lights: around windows and doors, along the streets, at the Mall, at the park. It's a holiday filled with concerts and pageants: in schools, in churches, in concert halls throughout the world.

The shepherds upon receiving the message from the angel  responded quickly, "let's go and see." They didn't philosophize the message, they didn't hold a debate, they went "to see" whether this was really true.

And after they saw Him, they went around and told everyone else about this wondrous event.

The Magi saw the Star, understood its significance and followed its guiding light...to the doorstep of the new "king"

The birth of Christ had inspired the composition of the most glorious tunes and lyrics. Nothing can ever come close to the beauty of the numerous Christmas songs that we love to hum and  belt out.

Christ's birth had inspired George Frideric Handel to compose his famous oratorio  "The Messiah"  that tells the story of the birth and its prophecy, the crucifixion and redemption of mankind, and a commentary on the Christian soul and its victory over death. Handel's masterpiece delivers Biblical messages and lessons through very beautiful music.

When it was premiered in London in 1743, it was said that Queen Victoria was deeply moved, her lips trembled, tears came to her eyes, and her body shook. Finally, as the chorus reached its pinnacle with the words "KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS" the queen couldn't remain seated any longer. She rose to her feet, and stood with her head bowed for the remaining of the chorus.

The birth of Christ  had inspired Bach to compose his famous Christmas cantata that orchestras and ensembles ( Christian and non-Christian alike) around the world make it their centerpiece during this holiday season. The concert opens with thundering drums, trumpets and the thrilling sound of exultant voices lifted in praise : "Shout for joy!"  The sweet pastoral sounds of flutes and oboe color  the tender  scenes in the lowly stable. Festive colors return as the shepherds arrive to celebrate the Lord of Heaven.  In Bach's hands, the mystery of the Nativity finds perfect expression in glorious music. Bach and Handel composed numerous cantatas that were completed and we enjoy them to this day.  But God's design for us, His creations,  is an "unfinished symphony."  It's an ongoing work that requires our collaboration and cooperation.

As the shepherds, without hesitation, hurried to go and "see," so should we.  As the Magi saw the Star and decided to follow its guiding light,  so should we. In seeing and  in following, our fears are assuaged, and our hopes are  met. The Star is there waiting to be seen, waiting to be followed.

    "Star with royal beauty 

          bright, westward leading,

     still proceeding. Guide us to

          thy perfect light."

Do you see what I see ? It's the Everlasting Light shining in the dark. Merry CHRISTmas.

 

Noralyn Onto Dudt wishes everyone God's Peace and Joy this Christmas season and a bright 2024.