Many people know the story from Exodus 3, where Moses – having fled from Egypt, and tending his father-in-law’s sheep in Horeb – sees a bush that appears to be burning, and yet which never actually burns up. God’s angel speaks to him from the bush, and the nature of God is revealed to Moses in a new and unique way. God tells him the Divine name – which approximates to “I am who I am”.

It was a new view of God. And it was the foundation of the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt and their “Exodus” to the Promised Land.

In the Gospels, we see that same God again revealed to us in a new way. Not in a scary experience in the desert. But in a common room, where animals are fed, and where once again news is given to those that tend sheep. The shepherds hurry down to Bethlehem, find Christ, and go away worshipping.

And they have seen something else about God’s nature. Moses saw the mightiness and mysteriousness of God. But in that manger, the shepherds have seen God in humility, in sacrifice, in human flesh – “our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man”, as Charles Wesley put it.

Today for most people Christmas is a chance to gather with families. To eat, drink, and be merry. To act for one day as you might think we should act every day. And these things are all good. Enjoy them! God gave us food and drink and families.

But take a moment to take the trip, summoned by angels, to Bethlehem. Where God and humanity are united in that perfect, tiny baby – as his mother and Joseph bow and pray and wonder, and the shepherds go away rejoicing. That holy child of Christmas brought God’s love into the world, made the world holy by being made of its dust, and lifts the world up to his Father. Something well worth celebrating. Have a very happy Christmas.

Revd Gary Alderson