Shepherds and the Birth of the Good Shepherd

In Bible time, shepherds were considered lowly and dirty. But God chose them to be the first to hear about Christ's birth announcement. An angel of the Lord brought them good news of great joy: Christ the Lord, our Savior, was born. The angel pointed out the saving work of Jesus as a Savior and His sovereign position as Lord. The word "Christ" (from the Greek word Christos) means "Anointed", referring to Jesus' royal position as the promised Messiah (from the Hebrew word Mashiach), Who would deliver us from sin, Satan, death, and Hell. This good news of great joy is for all people...the poor and the rich, the old and the young, the famous and the unknown...everyone.

In comparing Himself to a "shepherd", God of the universe expresses His infinite love for us through His humble willingness to stoop so low as to perform towards us the tasks of a "shepherd". Isaiah 40:11 describes such a beautiful image showing the tender affection, great compassion, and caring attention of Jesus, our Shepherd towards us His flock, especially the weak, and needy. He feeds (spiritually and physically cares for) us, comforts us, and gently leads us. Christ leads us out of temptation, sin, and self, into His presence, His truths, and closer communion with Him. "Oh! what a blessedness to have such a Shepherd for such poor burdened souls! Remember, His great end in leading is holiness." (J. H.Evans) He promises to gather us in His arms and carry us close to His heart. The safest place to be is in the arms of our Good Shepherd who dearly loves us and faithfully protects us! He is not only gentle and compassionate but also strong and powerful. "See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and He rules with a mighty arm." (Isaiah 40:10a) He wants us to trust Him and rest in Him. The weak, the weary, the broken, and the burdened can always find rest, refreshment, healing, comfort, provision, protection, guidance, strength, and safety in the Good Shepherd. 

How does the Good Shepherd carry His lambs?
"Sometimes He carries them by not permitting them to endure much trouble. At other times, by having some tender, loving person to take care of them. He carries them instrumentally. At other times, such lambs are carried by having an unusual degree of love given them, and consequently a large amount of joy, so that they bear up and stand fast. Though their knowledge may not be deep, they have great sweetness in what they do know. Frequently He carries them by giving them a very simple faith, which takes the promises just as they stand, and believingly runs with every trouble straight to Jesus! The simplicity of their faith gives them an unusual degree of confidence, which carries them above the world. " (Charles Spurgeon)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for holding me close to Your heart and for carrying me through storms of life! I don't want to be anywhere else. I want to always be in Your loving arms, listen to Your voice, and doing Your will. Knowing that I am loved and protected by You gives me great comfort and peace. Lord, help me be like those shepherds who were eager to spread the word concerning Your birth because they couldn't keep the good news of great joy to themselves. Please use me to keep sharing this joyous best news that You were born to save the world.