Wonder & Worship

An Advent reflection on Luke 2:8-20.

The mysteries of God stir wonder in our hearts. For God cherishes to use what others look upon as less in the eyes of the world. It wasn’t kings, religious leaders, prominent business people, soldiers, politicians, or skilled craftsmen who were to look first upon the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)” It would be those who diligently kept watch in the night and were the least in the social order of the time. It would be those whom Adonai saw faithfully doing what they were given to do. It would be the shepherds of the fields awake in the region of Bethlehem.

What wonder it must have been for them? It was like any other dark night they had kept watch on, except this night was very different. They were approached by a messenger who filled the dark with the radiant “Glory of the Lord.” Terror first, quickly dispelled by words of truth, “Do not be afraid…” and followed by, “I bring you good news. (Luke 2:10)” No doubt, relief, then wonder. Who were they to be approached by a messenger of the Almighty? And moreover, to be given the invitation to meet the Messiah?

Without understanding and in wonder, they did what they were told and sought the Savior. Upon finding Him in a manger, they did the only thing that could be done at the invitation of a God who loves you, they worshiped! 

For the Savior, in His first incarnate moments on Earth, had already proven the Kingdom of God at hand. They, the least but the awake, were called to the presence of the King. They, the last–those in the fringes–were made first, and in their wonder, not their understanding, they recognized who they were and who He is. They worshiped.

For us, it is no different than the shepherds. When in the midst of our lives, wonder stirs our hearts, we look to God and worship. When wonder befalls you this season, may your heart stir in worship of the One who loves you more than any other.