Where Have You Seen God This Week?
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. (Luke 2:8‒10)
It was 1993 and I found myself standing in the Field of the Angels in Israel, the location where the angels where thought to have proclaimed the coming of the Christ Child. There was a single shepherd there surrounded by his flock of sheep. It was quiet and peaceful. (Ok, the sheep did make some noise). I could only imagine what a shock those proclaiming angels must have been. Christmas today isn’t as peaceful. It’s become a noisy marketplace. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of us the season can feel lonely, and peace seems lost. It could be the absence of someone we love, a broken relationship, or an illness. You long for peace, healing, and for God to show up and be known.
The Messenger Class begins each week with a single question, “Where have you seen God this week?” I’ve learned through years of listening that God shows up in everyday, unexpected ways. It’s not noisy and flashy like the commercial Christmas; it’s simple and serene like shepherds in the lonely field watching their sheep at night. Peace—the presence of Emmanuel, “God with us”―God shows up and surprises us in so many ways reminding us that though we may feel alone, we are not.
If this Christmas finds you missing someone, feeling alone or wondering if peace is even possible, remember: the same God who sent angels to proclaim Jesus coming to the shepherds proclaims PEACE to you! It may come to you in a surprising way. Peace may even come to you when you are the angel proclaiming peace to someone else who is lonely in their own field. You can be “Emmanuel, God with us.” PEACE to each of you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for always showing up in the simplest of ways. This Christmas remind me that I am not alone. You are with me. Surprise me, Lord. I’ll be looking for you.
Richard Ryan is an award-winning singer, writer, and actor. He is active at Highland in the choir, the Messenger Class, and Senior Adult Ministries. He and his wife, Cathy, have three adult children.