When the Angels came to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem they were “keeping watch”.  They were awake, attentive, aware, alert to the current surroundings and anticipating anything that might come.  That is actually a great description of Advent, the time during which we look toward Christmas with wide-eyed wonder and expectation.  We don’t want to miss anything that God is bringing our way.

This art is a print from a wood cut, or a wood block which is engraved in relief.  Although the image below is not the wood cut of the shepherd, I want to show you what a wood cut from a wood block looks like so you can fully appreciate this work of art.

The artist of the shepherd wood cut is Fannie Parker who is a friend of mine.  I love the expression of the shepherd.  He stands in awe of what he sees.  His entire being is captivated and awe struck.  It is as if his heart and soul have just been melted into the vastness of all the universe in which he is suddenly enveloped.  Heaven and earth are one, and he is being held in that embrace.  I want to see what he sees, feel what he feels.  It is amazing to me that anyone might capture this expression in a drawing or painting, but incredible that Fannie has done this through a carving on a piece of wood!  It is just beautiful.

What does it mean to “keep watch”?

Perhaps keeping watch might mean living life as a prayer with open hands in expectation, receiving life as a gift and anticipating the coming of something new that God will bring. It is an expression of HOPE.  We sing the carol, “Come thou  long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free….hope of all the earth thou art”.

That holy night the Angels came and said “Behold…(Pay Attention!)…I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people!”

And the shepherds were keeping watch.

 

Questions to think about…

How do you “keep watch”?  Is it easy or difficult?

Can you try praying with open hands today?

nk