Scarlet Robe Creations

They had been sitting in the fields for most of the night.  Their sheep were gathered into the sheepfold, protected from harm.  Isaac sat at the gate watching the stars overhead.  He understood little about the movement of heavenly bodies.  He knew only that in darkness the moon rose, and day was blessed by the light of the sun.  Still, he noted the twinkling of lights, and the recent arrival of a brighter light, he'd only recently begun to see. "Day dreamin', Isaac?" Caleb asked.  He was older than Isaac, both in age, and in years as a shepherd.  The life Isaac had found himself in had gripped Caleb by fate.  His father, and his father's father had performed the same task. "Just watchin' the sky," Isaac responded. "Star gazin'.  That's what it's called." Not insulted in anyway by Caleb's harsh reply, Isaac said, "Do you ever take note of the changes in the heavens.  When it is warm there are certain lights in the sky. ...

The Adoration of the Shepherds - Bartolome Esteban Murillo Bethlehem Ephrathah, insignificant, you have a voice among the prophets, yet you were silent. When there was cause to embrace, you stood in the shadows, ignoring new birth, divine flesh. When the shepherds sang praises, you saw the filth on their flesh, considered them drunken, not worthy of your ears. Bethlehem Ephrathah, small among the clans, you have been witness to a prophecy you chose not to hear. Were there wise men among you who sought a king you waited for? Did they lead you to poverty rather than wealth. Do you slumber now, City of David? Do you know tomorrow's world will be changed by love, not war? Bethlehem Ephrathah, pathway of cultures to come, a child has touched your soul despite your complacency. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Shepherd with a Flock of Sheep - Charles Jacque Shepherds scatter, as it was so in Jeremiah's day, as it was so when Jesus walked the earth, as it is in the day in which we now live. Shepherds scatter, when walking in the footprints of their own pride, rather than those of God. Shepherds scatter, over dogmas which sever His body. There should be union, bound by strengths, rather than divisions of weakness. We need to stand as one body loving God, believing the words of His son, knowing that from His death comes life. We need to love each other regardless of sins without celebrating those iniquities the world accepts. We need to focus on the narrow door through which many will refuse to pass. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Edward Stott - There was no room at the inn (c. 1910) It is but a stable. There is hay, there is dirt, there are animals. The only music to calm a weary soul are the calls of a cow and a donkey and the bleating of sheep. Shepherds watch, guided by a song heard on high. They come in their tattered clothing to honor a king donned in rags. There in so fanfare. This king has come for those who are born in stables. This king has come for those who labor in fields tending their sheep. This king has come for any who feel undeserving of Him. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Such fascination  with the story of a child. Why Bethlehem? Why a donkey? Why a stable and feeding troth. A child sees a manger and a carol comes to mind. She sees a shepherd and takes note of the sheep. To a child the animals are important, and the angels. She watches the kings, and wants to know their names and what gifts they bring. Even to an adult, Jesus is accessible in the hay. He has yet to teach words we don't want to hear. He has yet to embrace a repentant tax collector, or prostitute. He has yet to tell those near him that he will die. But for now, Advent is upon us. We can gaze like children at a manger scene and quietly hum, 'What Child is This'. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

They try to define You as their own, but none have that right. They color You in every shade but that which You really are. They give You human morals when ours are so flawed. And they hang You in buildings which speak more to their achievements than Yours. The shepherds have gone to sleep and left the sheep alone in the wilderness.   copyright 2021 Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

One star, which few pay attention to, dominating a sky over fields of thirsty brown grass. They labor with care only for food and rest. Few have heard the promises. None have sought to seek. Maybe a curse is spoken. Maybe the illumination in the night sky is too bright. Was there singing? Voices in harmony, beautiful. A chorus of wings, christening the night with glory. Are words spoken to your heart or ears? Is there a burning to seek an answer to a question you haven’t asked? Glory to God. Tonight He has done a great thing. He has come down into the world of the humble and called to Himself the poor. copyright 2018 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Bruno Piglhein - Star of Bethlehem There are stars we simply gaze upon, on cloudless nights. We see shapes and figures in the patterns of heavenly lights, give them names and call their groupings constellations. There are stars which travelers follow, lights in the sky leading the way from one land to another, or across vast seas and oceans. There was one star, rising in a specific place, over a tiny village, over a barn in a field. One star, a comet, maybe or a flight of fancy. One star, lighting the way through the strife of a fragile night. One star calling wise men and shepherds to the humble birth of greatness. copyright 2016 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author From the Collection;  An Advent Journey