Tonight we come to the impression of I that reflects the shepherds.

The shepherds have hearts that hear the the heavenly hosts.

They hear that peace will come to souls of goodwill.

These are the individuals who care for what nourishes the others.

They are always out in the elements.

They are simple and sweetly committed to their simple ways. There is no complexity here.

Shepherds bring milk and honey and lambskins to the manger.

And then without guile, they spread the word that the Divine is here.

The Joseph I is impressed in our will and the gesture of faithful responsibility to other

The shepherds' I is impressed in our feeling life and our gestures of simple generosity.

The I-beyond-consciousness is shepherd-like in its simple and generous presence and willingness to provide comfort and nourishment to our feelings. When we are awake to this shepherd-I nourishing our feeling life, we can nourish others, be present to them in all the harsh and gentle elements of their lives, keep them from straying and getting lost.

Through our shepherd's I, we hear the heralding songs of the angels singing to us where to look for the divine in others and what to bring to provide life, sweetness, and warmth to what is newborn in the other.

Suggestions:

Imagine sitting outside under the stars watching over your flock, feel your heart begin to swell with the singing of angels.

Now think of someone you know and let the music in your heart tell you something about them, feel their divinity. Ask what you can give them in an act of generosity as simple as a lamb.

Bless the simple, sweet generosity of your shepherd's I.