4 minute read
The Rude Shepherd
theGoodnews
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. ~Luke 2: 9-10 NLT
The Rude Shepherd
By Joni Eareckson Tada
"And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as he lay in the manger." ~ Luke 2:16 KJV
It was one of those classic, picturesque Christmas plays at church. The concert was near the end. Mary and Joseph were in place with baby Jesus around the manger. The lights were low, the choir sang softly in the background. Man-made snowflakes drifted slowly on the scene. The shepherds gathered quietly around. You felt like you were really there.
But Pete, one of the shepherds, wasn't satisfied. Blocked by one of the other shepherds, Pete wanted to get closer to the manger. He elbowed the other boy and glared at him as he moved in. A few in the audience chuckled, others were taken aback by the young man's rudeness.
It was a little embarrassing for a Christmas concert, but how realistic! How fitting that there should be a few pokes and shoves at such a momentous occasion. I imagine there was more than one "Let me see!" that first night. Pete's pushiness was not just realistic, but appropriate. The coming of the Messiah is not just an event to behold but an occasion upon which to intrude with as much self-centeredness as possible. Every sinner ought to run to the manger and cry, "Out of my way! Me first! He came because of me!" That's how Bartimaeus, the blind beggar felt. He cared not at all that he was being rude. Parents of desperate children pushed their way to Jesus. Men broke through a roof for their paralyzed friend. And Peter's approach to Jesus was often one of intrusion -- he pleaded with Jesus to clean not only his feet, but his entire body. Crash the nativity scene this year, won't you? Get as close as you can, daring even to pick up the Christ-child. Selfishly cling to the incarnation as if you were the worst of sinners. Jesus will not mind. He came because of you. “Jesus, You intruded on our planet in a rude visitation. You sought joy for Yourself and broke through Satan's kingdom to reach me. Thank You for Your heavenly rudeness.”
Blessings, Joni and Friends, www.joniandfriends.org
Taken from More Precious Than Silver. Copyright © 1998 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used with permission Joni & Friends Disability Center.
The Friends of the Murrieta Library kick off the New Year on January 19th at 10:00 am with a program presented by award-winning author of historical romance, Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple. Her recent book, “To Dance in the Glen”, was a best-
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The Friends meet regularly on the third Tuesday of every month as they welcome local authors, artists and musicians. The meetings usually are held in the Library Community Room but are currently being held on line.
Not only do the Friends of the Murrieta Library provide support to the Murrieta Public Library through fund-raising, advocacy and volunteerism, they promote awareness of and support for the Library as it serves the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of our Community.
The Friends of the Murrieta Library invite you to join their Program Meeting Live on Zoom Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 10:00 – 11:30 am. Please visit www.murrietalibraryfriends.org for log-in information. (Please log in 10-15 minutes before the start of the meeting to avoid delay). For questions, please call Rita Nastri at 6988640.
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