In the second week of Advent let us journey with the shepherds. They heard the voice of God in a most unexpected way. An angel spoke to them , a “blaze of Glory surrounded them” they were terrified but  together they had the grace to listen and share their experience with each other and encourage each other to set off together to follow that voice. To-day, as forces of evil seem to be growing stronger, many of us are afraid. “What is the world coming to” we ask? What is the future for me and for our way of life? If we share these fears and face them together maybe we will encounter the voice of the Holy one and have the courage to face the unknown together. The shepherds invite us to share our fears and hopes with each other during this time of Advent as we respond to the invitation to realize the one thing we hold on to….God is with us on the journey.