Picture the Bible Reflection for May 7, 2021
This week we’re looking at the Nativity – the birth of Jesus. You can read the story here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A1-20&version=NIV
I got thinking about the story about the shepherds, specifically when they’ve been visited by the angels and then say, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
If the shepherds knew that this was the Lord speaking through the angels, why did they feel the need to go to Bethlehem to see the baby? The language of the angels is interesting too. “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in manger.”
Was there a lack of trust and faith or even understanding of their faith? Was there a need to see this sign for themselves because others would not believe it if they merely said, “the angels said…” instead of “the angels said, so we went and saw and it is true.”
There are many people who look for signs of things in their lifetime. A sign that a loved one is near them after passing. A sign to leave a job and start a new adventure. A sign to commit to a lifelong love with a partner. A sign to have children. A sign to move. A sign that God is still with them. God speaks to us through all of creation to give us nudges in the right direction.
Why do we ask for signs in this day and age? Is it because we need something more tangible, more concrete to solidify the thought or idea we long for? Is it because we know God is with us and we just need a sign to reassure us of God’s presence? When was the last time you asked God for a ‘sign’? What was it for? Did you receive it and if so, what was it?
I share two songs with you today.
Our prayer for today:
Holy One, as we live out our days, I pray that we feel you and that we know you are present with us even when we are most confident and having a great day. I pray that the rising and setting of the sun, that the blowing of a gentle wind, the falling of the rain on the grass or the song of a bird reminds us each moment that you are with us. Help us to share you with others, asking you to be present within and around us so that we can share your love, justice, mercy, compassion and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This week we’re looking at the Nativity – the birth of Jesus. You can read the story here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A1-20&version=NIV
I got thinking about the story about the shepherds, specifically when they’ve been visited by the angels and then say, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
If the shepherds knew that this was the Lord speaking through the angels, why did they feel the need to go to Bethlehem to see the baby? The language of the angels is interesting too. “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in manger.”
Was there a lack of trust and faith or even understanding of their faith? Was there a need to see this sign for themselves because others would not believe it if they merely said, “the angels said…” instead of “the angels said, so we went and saw and it is true.”
There are many people who look for signs of things in their lifetime. A sign that a loved one is near them after passing. A sign to leave a job and start a new adventure. A sign to commit to a lifelong love with a partner. A sign to have children. A sign to move. A sign that God is still with them. God speaks to us through all of creation to give us nudges in the right direction.
Why do we ask for signs in this day and age? Is it because we need something more tangible, more concrete to solidify the thought or idea we long for? Is it because we know God is with us and we just need a sign to reassure us of God’s presence? When was the last time you asked God for a ‘sign’? What was it for? Did you receive it and if so, what was it?
I share two songs with you today.
- The first is by DMX who passed away a short time ago. I enjoy listening to this genre often, especially to shake me out of something. “Lord give me a sign” can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8U_gR58eJU and here are the full lyrics: https://genius.com/Dmx-lord-give-me-a-sign-lyrics
- The second is Light Up the Sky by The Afters – light up the sky to show that you are with me…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LQH6UDi15s&t=40s
Our prayer for today:
Holy One, as we live out our days, I pray that we feel you and that we know you are present with us even when we are most confident and having a great day. I pray that the rising and setting of the sun, that the blowing of a gentle wind, the falling of the rain on the grass or the song of a bird reminds us each moment that you are with us. Help us to share you with others, asking you to be present within and around us so that we can share your love, justice, mercy, compassion and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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