Thursday 25 December 2008

Merry Christmas! From James The Shepherd

Christmas Eve papa was asked to do a devotional for the church service. I dressed up as a shepherd, staff and all. I greeted people as they arrived for the service and then later did a 15 minute devotional as one of the shepherds that had went to the manger scene. As I prepared this past week for the devotional, several things struck me about the story in Luke 2:8-20.

First, the fields where the shepherds watched their flocks was their home! They lived there! And, there were probably many shepherds who watched this story unfold. Basically, the angel and the Heavenly Host came into their homes! Next, I noted the shepherds were terrified! Can you imagine what that night sky must have looked like ?!! I think terrified would be an understatement!

I then went on to compare a shepherd to the "Great Shepherd" - Jesus. Did you know that a shepherd did not usually own the sheep?? He was a wage earner. We are God's children, his sheep, but God sent his Son to be our shepherd, and He gave his life for God's sheep. We are a lot like sheep - we sometimes get into trouble and the shepherd has to discipline us. At other times we tend to wander off so far that we have difficulty hearing the shepherds voice and we are lost. The shepherd always seeks after us.

What really made me think though was how terrified the shepherds must have been that night. Can you imagine what the sky will probably be like when Christ returns - the second - and final time? I would strongly suggest you get ready during this Christmas season. Because if you are not, terrified will not describe what you will experience!! Mama and I will be praying for each of you that this will be the Christmas Season that you will seek after Christ with your whole heart.

22 comments:

Carol said...

Well, James, you done well! Good thoughts from Shepherd's Field. We had group devotions one day on the hillside outside Bethleham (when I went on my Study Tour of Israel with a college class back in the 1980's). It was a rocky, gently sloping hillside, and Bethlehem could be seen in the distance. Sheep could easily slip on the rocks while grazing, so shepherds needed to be alert and listen for their bleeting. It's so great to know that Jesus, our Shepherd, is always keeping His eyes on us, and hears us when we cry, and draws us close to Him for His loving care. Wish I could have been at your church last night! I'm sure you made a great looking shepherd, and told your story with just the right effect!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi Carol ! We just got home! We spent Christmas all day with the Devers. I think you know them. It was a great day! The shepherds had quite a story to tell.

Strider said...

Merry Christmas from Strider.

Unknown said...

and thank you for that prayer for all of us!

merry Christmas papa and mama!

we played Farkel tonight with some of the extended family...wish you were here...i wouldve beat you - I WON!!!

:D

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful to know the idea of His second coming is one of great hope!!

Can't wait to see my Savior, the Great Shepherd.

Hope your Christmas was Merry!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

This is Mama
Papa did a great job and pastor also did a great job on the service. I am so very thankful for the "SHEPHERD" and His love for me. I am thankful for the Father who sent the Shepherd.
I pray you each have a HAPPY NEW YEAR and I know it will be happier if you know THE SHEPHERD" personally.
Love and prayers Mama

Indian Lake Papa said...

Strider - hope you had a Merry Christmas and are headed for a happy new year.

Tam - love you! Always pray for you - Someday mama will show how to REALLY play Farkel!

Michelle - so excited - but yet anxious about the 2nd Coming - so many are not ready.

CrossView said...

I love studying shepherds! They use that staff to pull a sheep back to safety. They use that staff as a weapon to protect the sheep from an attack. But a shepherd never hits a sheep with it. Sorry - I got carried away. Again. Did I mention that I'm fascinated by shepherds? ;o)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - did you know that modern day shepherds ride Harleys back and forth to work?? That's Cool! Wages aren't so good - today they still work for peanuts. :o)

Anonymous said...

Hope you both had a wonderful Christmas.

I bet you made a great shepherd, thanks for the way you care for your "sheep"

Love and blessings,
Scott

Indian Lake Papa said...

Scott - thought about dressing up as Mary, but that would have been a stretch - maybe next year! :o)

CrossView said...

I've heard a rumor to that affect! ;o)


Fess up, you got coal again, didn't you??!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - I got two gift certificates! One for any nursing home of my choice and the second was a home-visit by DR.Kevorkian - I would have preferred the coal!

Robin said...

Very cool Mr. Shepherd! I like it when people make the Bible characters real and help us to see that they are just like us. Sometimes I've allowed myself to consider the Bible characters more holy or above human emotion, but they are just like us!

Merry Christmas!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - it went well - I tried to imagine what the shepherds must have felt. Terrified - that was a key word.

CrossView said...

Wow! Coal DOES sound good! LOL! =P

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - yeah, I didn't think coal sounded to bad either! loL

RazorFamilyFarms.com said...

Love this post!!!!

Thank you for your sweet comments of congratulations on our new children!

Blessings!
Lacy

Technonana said...

Thanks Papa for stopping by and leaving the well wishes...I pray that you have a blessed New Year as well!!!
Keeping my eyes on the eastern sky!!
In Him,
Sharon

Indian Lake Papa said...

Lacy - Have a blessed New Year and may this be an exciting time for you!

Sharon - one of these days! Be ready!

Anonymous said...

Wish I could have seen you all dressed up! What a good application of the shepherds...and after reading some things on sheep, we are more like them than we know.. LOL glad I have a good shepherd! love you Papa and Mama

Indian Lake Papa said...

DArla - papa took quite a bit of abuse as a shepherd! LOL I told several of them they didn't look like sheep - they looked like old goats!
WE sure love your family - praying for you next week as you take care of the name thing.