Advent Visio Divina Week Four
Annunciation of the Shepherds
On week 4 we are invited to be “amazed.”
In this story we have another appearance of an angel with a message about the Baby. Luke also describes the shepherds spreading the good news of a messiah being born. Let us join in and share the shepherds’ amazement.
Scripture:
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. -- - Luke 2: 8-20
Angel and Shepherds, 1966 Sadao Watanabe
Visio Divina
Spend 3-5 minutes looking at this painting. Resist looking up any more information about it. The artist gives us everything we need to see. Notice any colors, patterns, plays of light and dark. Take in the whole image.
Let your eyes rest on the part of the image that captures your attention. Stay with that for a few minutes, trying not to wander. Breathe.
Consider what emotions this focus evokes in you? There is a reason you are drawn to this part of the work of art. What stirs in you?
Respond with your own words. You can write these down as a private mediation or prayer or share with others who may be practicing this Visio Divina with you.
This week I can:
1. Pray for the eyes that let me see God in world around me. In the sun that shines on the naturally changing seasons. In my friends and family as well as in the strangers. And this week spread this good news to others and to help others see.
2. Pray for all children. Especially the most vulnerable.
3. As a prayer, listen to the carol, “Angels We have Heard on High”