And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. —Luke 2:8 (NIV)
On the night Jesus was born, I can picture the shepherds watching their flocks with single-minded devotion. This was their most important job. Once night fell, perhaps it was their only job. The wise men watched the skies with the same intensity. Nothing was more important than determining the location of this new king’s birth.
Watching the sheep, watching a star, watching and waiting with a singular focus. Quite different from life in the 21st century when I think of all I find myself watching in a typical Christmas season. I watch my husband Paul’s men’s choir concert and watch for sales on decorations and the gifts on my list. We watch our neighbor dance in the annual production of The Nutcracker, and watch our favorite TV specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas. Then there’s the church concert and a movie or two—after all, would it be Christmas without Miracle on 34th Street?
Watching all this makes for a busy season but doesn’t necessarily keep my focus on Jesus. Even church concerts and Christmas shows, while carrying the message of Christ’s birth, can distract me from focusing on Christ Himself. So I’ve begun a new habit this Advent. Each evening I walk out my back door, and taking a cue from the wise men, scan the December sky for the brightest object—Sirius, the Dog Star.
I watch it for a few moments, and not only do I feel connected to that first Christmas, but it’s time each night to focus my heart on the One at the center of it all.
Jesus, You are the bright morning star. Lead me to make You the center of every Christmas season.
