Tillicoultry Parish Church

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December 18

Luke 2: 8 -  14

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests. 

Around this time ten years ago,  I was preparing for a very special service – at least in my life.  It was the service I was invited to preach so that the congregation of Tillicoultry Parish Church could decide if they wanted to call me as their minister.  It was to be held two weeks before Christmas and would include the Sunday Club nativity play,  but I felt that it was important that I also speak to the children that day.  I spoke about angels,  and took a “friend”. with me – Jake (whom you can see in the photo) who wanted to be an angel.  The message was that the world may think that angels all look angelic – white clothes, wings,  blonde hair,  blue eyes – all the sterotypes we have devised over the years,  but in truth, angels are messengers from God.

We know a lot about the messages that the angels in the nativity story brought,  but God has always used messengers to pass on his good news,  his promises,  hiw words of challenge, comfort and encouragement. 

This advent season,  God can use us as his messengers.  What do you, your words, attitudes and actions say about our coming King.  Let’s sing out our praises, glorifying God and offering hope to the world.  Go on,  you’re an angel after all!