I have always admired Joseph Brickey's painting Journey to Bethlehem. The little shepherd boy and Mary lock eyes as they pass one another along the road. Did the young boy’s heart burn within him? Did he wonder why?
On that very night Christ would be born and those chosen to be the first witnesses were humble shepherds. I think of the moments leading up to the angel appearing to them to declare good tidings of great joy. Might someone have been humming a low, quiet tune to calm the sheep? Perhaps a soft melody of a flute floated through the night air.
As I sat down to arrange this piece, I chose to begin and end it with stillness. At first it is the tranquility of shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night. Towards the middle there is more of an urgency as they leave in haste to follow the star. And it closes with the peaceful night visit in the manger while those very same shepherds draw close to adore the newborn babe.
May the peace that comes from the Good Shepherd abide in your hearts this holiday season and all year through. Merry Christmas!!
Thank you Terry! This is a beautiful piece!
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