Tuesday Tidings Nov. 11, 2025

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“In that region there were shepherds in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” -Luke 2:8

Have you purchased your turkey yet?  How about set a time for Thanksgiving dinner?

I included the quote from the Gospel of Luke in this morning’s devotion because in some ways we very much find ourselves in a similar position as those faithful shepherds.

There they are going about their work.  Day by day they see to the tasks that are before them.  It is likely that most of the shepherds sought to be good and do good in the world, even beyond the confines of their vocational life.  These were solid folks.

As the sun set and the shepherds came to the end of another busy day, I have a sense that they probably gathered around a crackling fire.  They drew in close to warm themselves and also heat the meal they would share that evening.

It would make sense that someone took a moment to share a word of thanks; giving thanks for the food that they had set before themselves.  And maybe as they looked back over the days preceding that moment, those shepherds likely gave thanks for their safety, for the decent weather, and for the health of their flock.  There had been challenges along the way, but there had been lots of blessings too. Life was good.

What the shepherds could not have known, in a just a few moments angels would appear before them, announcing the birth of a Savior.  Life was good, but their lives were about to get a whole lot better.  The future was bright, both literally and figuratively.

Friends, siblings in Christ, we find ourselves in a similar situation.  We have much to be thankful for, and we should give thanks for what has been.  And… we are also being drawn into a blessed future; Thanksgiving and Advent are on the horizon, as is the celebration of the birth of our Lord.

We can rightly and enthusiastically anticipate powerful moments of spiritual meaning, growth as disciples, and a renewal in the Spirit.

In these days, we’ll be pulled in all directions; into the past, into the future, called to the many tasks that need our attention in the moment… that’s not an overwhelming burden, life is good, and may get even better!  Thanks be to God!

Question for reflection: What do you treasure most about this season of Thanksgiving?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Lord Jesus, source of wisdom, teach us anew this day.  Allow us to discover the depths of your love, the real meaning of your Word, and the way that you would have us go as we seek to serve you faithfully.  We are grateful, that in and through you, we truly can learn something new each and every day.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.