Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Magnificat of the Shepherds

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."

So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. Luke 2 15:20


 
My soul delights in the greatness of the people summoned by angels,

And my spirit embraces each puzzled face that peers through the lamplight at the warm-bundled gift of our song-filled God.

As our eyes meet, joy flows between us and our chins are lifted with gladness.

Yes, from this day forward all generations shall raise their voices to proclaim those who gather here as blessed, for the

Almighty has done great things for us.

Holy are the simple people.

And God’s mercy reaches from age to age for those who would join hands and follow a holy calling.

The power of wonder has called them from the meadows;
they are no longer cold.  

Kings sit alone in their palaces,
and we laugh together in this comfortable place.

In the midst of this night we have shared the bread and meat of our haversacks and our wineskins pass from mouth to mouth.

The kitchen of the inn is long locked and shuttered.
Come, God of Israel, celebrate with your people.  
 Magnificat of the Sheperds, Ann Johnson Miryam of Nazareth



Laughter could be heard throughout the streets of Bethlehem as men and woman made merry. But it was in the quiet of this humble stable that true joy was found, where hope entered the world. May we too, be like the simple shepherds, glorifying and praising God for what we have seen and heard.

"Dear children! Today, I and my Son desire to give you an abundance of joy and peace so that each of you may be a joyful carrier and witness of peace and joy in the places where you live. Little children, be a blessing and be peace. Thank you for having responded to my call." December 25, 2010 Message to Marija


9 comments:

Anne said...

How wonderful! I love the revised Magnificat! The picture with your post is lovely, too-that sweet little foot sticking out and the darling hand stretching to reach it-how blessed we are that God came as an infant!

Unknown said...

We can only imagine the joy, excitement and pure awe of those shepherds. Thank you for sharing their Magnificat with us.
God bless!

Tracy said...

What a lovely post!!

Anonymous said...

And He sent his Son to everyone, kings, shepherds, a Holy Couple and to us. Great post.
Andie

Anonymous said...

As Jesus came as a little child so must we always be as a little child. Trusting Our Father in all things. We must work to be a blessing and be peace

kam said...

Excellent Magnificat! "Little children, be a blessing and be peace.' What is she saying there?

Michael said...

Wonderful post! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

God Bless you!

Daily Grace said...

To all of you: Anne, Karinann, Tracy, KAM, Andie, Michael ,Anonymous and Colleen,
I am glad you liked the Magnificat of the Shepherds. I recently bought this book "Miryam of Nazareth" from Amazon as it was referred by the dear priest that lead our pilgrimage to Medjugorje a while back. I found it to be both peaceful and joyful. My mind was filled with vivid imagery as I read and reread the prayers. It just might be something you would enjoying reading.

God be with you each day of this New Year.

Mary N. said...

Great post, DG! The book sounds wonderful! Happy New year to you and yours :)