Advent 2015, December 2

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Odd for me to quote two different popes two days in a row (I’m Protestant to the core), but here goes.  In a speech to bishops in Africa, Pope Francis told them to “acquire the smell of the sheep.”

What a great challenge for the Advent season.

The angels came to the lowly shepherds.  Mary and Joseph were in the cow stall.  Jesus acquired the smell of the sheep, the people around him.  He touched them, for the better, not just to say he touched them, but to change their lives.   He did not just condescend, but he identified. 

You can take the advice literally and figuratively.  What does it mean to you?

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