“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:20

Some years ago, everyday people who might be described as farmers, small-town business people and politicians had their heads turned around. With families traveling through on their way to the big city, business in town was good—not profitable, because of high taxes, but brisk.

Out in the fields young and old laughed and cussed the animals and the weather as their forebears had been doing for years. Generally speaking, heads and hearts were focused on life as usual or possibly life as it had been.

Into that routine came what we know as Christmas. A bright star, heavenly music, special gifts, and a baby who grew up, died harshly, and was raised to new life. 

Every sort of person found in him a vision of what life might become. They looked with him to the future with hope and joy. Their heads were turned around. 

You and I rightly look back at all that and feel warmed. We will join in the songs of Peace and Goodwill. And there is a good chance we will settle down to life as usual.

I hope for more! 

May your heads and mine be turned around. Individually and together, may we not look at what was or might have been, but look forward with a vision of what life might become. May we not seek to recapture some remembered moral or ethic, but move ahead with a vision and passion for freedom, affirmation, acceptance, caring and love. Such is the promise and push of this holy season. It is God's gift to us in Jesus the Christ.

Prayer: Gracious God, Thank you!