Season of Advent: Joy, Day 4

Season of Advent

Joy, Day 4

Reading:

“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified”[1]

Reflection:

Proverbs 9:10a reads, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” In the Hebrew language at the time, the word translated as fear can also be translated as awe. When the angel of God greeted the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth, the Bible says they were terrified. I suspect what they felt was a mixture of terror, fear, and awe. Indeed, these emotional reactions are closely related and, according to Proverbs, are the beginning of wisdom. In order to gain in wisdom, we must open our hearts and minds to new ideas, understandings, and experiences, some of which will make us uncomfortable. Otherwise, we simply close ourselves off to whatever does not affirm what we think we already know.

            When we cannot find wonder, when we are not awed by the world around us, whenever we see nothing so grand that we would bow before it in amazement, we probably are not paying attention. We need to be startled out of our complacency, at least occasionally, or we will stagnate. Whether we believe the stories of Jesus’ birth to be literal, historical fact or allegorical tales we should at least understand their purpose is to expand our awareness of what is possible. That is the only way to gain wisdom. Frightening? Terrifying? Awe-inspiring? Sometimes, yes.

Closing Meditation:

How might your current understanding of the Christmas story inhibit your ability to experience it in new, growth-inducing ways? How can it come more fully alive for you personally this season? Ponder these questions during a time of quiet reflection.

Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2026, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Luke 2:8-9