“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” – Luke 2:15

“Let’s GO!” was the response of the shepherds at the angels’ pronouncement that Jesus had been born.  They didn’t just sit there.  They didn’t keep the news to themselves, they got up and went!  It’s tough these days to go anywhere.  In a desire to protect ourselves and the vulnerable among us, we choose to stay home and stay safe, so where are we supposed to go?  The places we would like to go and the people we are desperate to see, may be off-limits at the moment.

Perhaps the place God is calling us to Rise Up and Follow, is more an experience than a physical address.  Could God be calling us to follow in closer relationships or discipleship?  Could God be calling us to invest in friends and neighbors in deeper ways?  Could God be calling us to rise up and speak out against injustice or abuse, neglect, or human trafficking?  Is God asking us to rise up and follow in a new ministry area or sponsoring a child overseas?  Is God calling us to rise up and pray over our neighborhoods as we walk or drive?  (I recommend keeping your eyes open for that type of prayer!)

In these cold, winter months, when Covid restrictions seem so tiresome, may we always remember that we are not alone.  God is WITH US.  And God continues to call us to Rise Up and Follow the star of Bethlehem, the light of the world, Jesus.  If you are struggling this Christmas season, please join us tomorrow either in person or online for our Blue Christmas worship service at 6:30pm.  It is a wonderful opportunity to name our grief and losses, and also be reminded that God is WITH US.

Jesus, as we see fighting and lies and hatred, show us peace.  Not as a passive thing, but as the power to proclaim each and every creature’s mutual worth.  Help us to live into peace as we wait for Jesus.  Amen.