Quiet Night

"Quiet Night"   8'x10.75" Acrylic on Canvas

I can't imagine how terrified those shepherds must have been as the angel of the Lord spoke to them concerning the birth of Jesus. Most Biblical accounts of mankind encountering an angel have caused great fear. They are not like the cutesy angels in the gift stores. These are members of God's army, the heavenly hosts, and they only show up if there is a very good reason.

The shepherds may have known of the prophesy concerning the Messiah, but what are the chances that it would happen in their lifetime or even to them personally?

In this painting I wanted to focus on the very moment before a shepherd boy would fall face down scared out of his wits; the moment when we'd hear him whisper, "Did you hear that?"or "What is that strange glow?" or just plain, "Oh my God..." and really mean it.

After his recover, the boy would never be the same. Christ had come just as the prophets said He would. This would be the greatest night of all. The shepherds had to go witness these things which the angel had told them. What a change this would make.

This sort of change can happen today to anyone who seeks out Jesus like the shepherds did. Well, not exactly the same. It is not done by trekking down to Bethlehem, but by trekking to God in prayer and asking Him to confirm all that you've heard. Then, like the shepherds, one realizes that yes, it is just as it has been told through His Word, and things will never be the same.

Take the time to be still, as at night in a shepherd's field, and see what God is saying to you. Can we return to our simple life, like a shepherd boy, after meeting with the King of kings? I don't think so. It could be your greatest night of all.

Can We Return?

 The angel said we should not fear,
        as he proclaimed the Savior’s here.
The Prince of Peace this simple night,
        with humble birth yet glorious light.

Can we return to what we’ve known,
        when after all that heaven’s shown?
The Prince of Peace, you too have heard,
        Christ came for all, the Living Word!
                                            - George L. Richardson

                               Biblically Inspired: Luke 2: 8-17 NIV