12/3- "I Am the Good Shepherd"

12/3-  11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12"He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.… (John 10:11-12)

Thoughts: Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd.  A hired hand, when faced with a wolf or bear, may say, "I don't get paid enough for this" and leave.  But the Good Shepherd knows His sheep, loves them, and lays down his life to save them from their enemies. The only way He lays down His life is to help His sheep. The Good Shepherd sleeps with the sheep, heals the sheep, feeds the sheep, finds the sheep and cares for them. So Jesus came down to lead us to God and to His love. 
     We can get into the spirit of Christmas as we remember He cares for us.  He came to care for us- and to show us that.  He reminds us to call God “Father” and healed the sick and encouraged the weak.  Let Jesus shepherd you through the busy-ness of this advent season with His peace.

Prayer: Jesus, my Shepherd, help me to hear and respond to your voice and guidance.