Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 2:8-14 (King James Version)

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

So said the character Linus van Pelt in the 1965 Peanuts TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas. These words are know as the Annunciation to the shepherds.

I believe this is the most-heard sermon ever delivered as hundreds of millions of persons have heard it over the last almost sixty years. Those executives at CBS maybe realized what they were doing; maybe not.

Much of the world observes Christmas this week. No debates here on the actual birth date of Jesus of Nazareth—the Son of God.

Have a good week. Love people. Repeat next and every week thereafter.