11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10: 11
God promised us One who would come and save us, and we waited—falling into sin and turning every which way as the people of God continued to wait and hope for the day to arrive. We begged for the One who would lead us, show us the way, and rescue us from this broken world. As God’s people waited, you can almost hear their cries for help—for God to come and break the chains that bound them, chains they could not break on thier own.
When the angel of the Lord came to tell the shepherds the good news that a child had been born, there was great rejoicing. How fitting it was that this announcement was first made to those who watched over literal flocks of sheep. Jesus would later be referred to as—and would call Himself—the Good Shepherd. Read John chapter 10, titled “I Am the Good Shepherd.”
With the birth of the newborn King, we finally have our Good Shepherd—One to lead us, comfort us, and bring us back to the flock. Not One who desires harm for us, but One who knows there will be difficult times. Some will wander off, and we must be patient as He works to bring them back. He is always at work. And when the Good Shepherd brings His sheep home, there will be great rejoicing—both by the Shepherd and by the flock.
--
God, You sent us our Good Shepherd and we celebrate that always. This is the greatest time of year when we can really stop and think about who You are. The joy, peace and hope You bring us. Thank You for being our Shepherd, bringing us all back to the flock when we wonder off. No one is too far lost for You to find them and we pray for all who are lost. Overwhelm us all with Your Holy Spirit today so that we may rejoice all day long! We praise Your Holy Name, Jesus. Our new born King. Thank You for coming to be with us.
In Your name we pray. Amen.