You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations

to help you encounter the divine presence of God all throughout your day.

If you want to have free access to the entire library of 500 meditations, I encourage

you to download the Encountering Peace app where all the meditations are free as they should be.

Life is full of surprises, and so often it seems those moments of happiness we enjoy most

are those that take us by surprise. It's not that we grab those moments, but that they seem to grab us.

The moment we are grabbed by a surprise message from an old friend, or the minute a sweet smell

or a savory taste reminds us of good times long ago, or the second our attention is suddenly captured

by the rising of a beautiful moon. While the birth of Christ reminds us of the sudden surprise

appearing of a heavenly host to the shepherds that lonely night. Indeed, it must have been

life-changing to them, but can you imagine the sound of the heavenly chorus announcing the birth

of Christ? And would it have surprised you? Well, the theme of this meditation from Luke chapter

2 is being taken by surprise, being so eager and anxious to break in immediately to tell others

the news of something you've learned, to announce to the world which you've encountered.

Have you ever felt that way?

Well, I hope you take this time of meditation to settle without effort into a time

in a place to feel inspired, to become surprised by the voice of God.

Measure eyes begin to close now. I want you to center on this place of astonishment.

May you kneel and surprise to wonder as you encounter the glory of the Holy Father,

the Holy Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Resting now in awe of this divine moment, listen and respond to Luke chapter 19,

and as I lead us, answer Lord God, glory to you in the highest.

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