Ignatian-Style Contemplation
Read the Scripture below and become familiar with the story.
Close your eyes and imagine the scene.
What do you see? What do you hear? Are there any smells? How do you feel? Who are you in the scene?
Imagine the story unfolding and be aware of all of your senses.
Let it play out.
What is Jesus telling you through this time of prayer?
Luke 2:8-20 The Visit of the Shepherds
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The Visit 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.
What word or phrase stuck out to you?
How can this word or phrase help or guide you in these final days of Advent and into the season of Christmas?