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]

Christmas Jumper of the Day

Today's Christmas Jumper of the Day is worn by Jane. It reminds me of the joke: 

What Christmas Carol do you sing at a hospital?

Answer? ... 

The holly and the I.V.

The equidistant green spot pattern set amidst the cream wool on the body and arms conveys a neatness of character that loves convention. Everything in it's place and a place for everything. 
Yet the jaunty holly on the left shoulder and the right waistband displays a bold joie de vivre. 'I want to break free' it cries out. 

It's as if this jumper is asking some of us, 'is there a place for spontanaity in your over organised Christmas?'

Yet for others it forces us to face the question; 'is there a place for planning in your spur of the moment Christmas?'