And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13
The dictionary describes the word suddenly as something happening abruptly without warning, quickly. Can you just imagine these Shepherds on a quiet, starry night watching their flocks on a hillside just outside of Bethlehem? They were doing what they did every other night, going about life as normal when SUDDENLY, out of nowhere an Angel of the Lord appears. Scripture describes a bright light, the Glory of the Lord lighting up their dark hillside with news of a heavenly birth. The unexpected had come to group of ordinary men in a most unusual way.
What will you do with the unexpected? Life is notorious for throwing the unexpected at us. A flat tire, bill, sickness, loss, or a raise at work, good news from a friend, kindness from a stranger. Somethings are welcome surprises and some not so welcome. Life can change in an instant.
We often take the ordinary for granted until the unexpected comes around. Then we have a choice to make. How will we respond to the sudden intrusion?
The scripture tells us that after the Angelic host of heavenly beings finished their Hallelujah chorus they departed just as quickly as they had appeared. However; the shepherds did NOT go back to business as usual. Their lives had been interrupted for purpose. The Shepherds response in verse 15 was to say to one another, let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made know to us. The shepherd left the hillside and sought out the Savior, and after they had visited Mary, Joseph and the new baby Jesus it says they made known what had been told them concerning the Child and all who heard it were astounded and marveled.
Our response to the Suddenly determines how we will walk through into the next chapters of our journey. Will we respond in fear or faith? Obedience or disobedience? Trusting or doubting? Praising or complaining? The choice is ours. Remember the shepherds faithful walk and how their ordinary life became Life extraordinaire!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you are the Lord of my Life. I trust you with today. I believe you have my very best interest in mind and I thank you that All things will work out for good for those who are called according to your purpose in Christ Jesus. In Jesus Name, amen.