The Shepherd

On the third Sunday of Advent we light The Shepherds’ Candle to remember that it was to humble shepherds that God sent his message of great news to all people. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  Jesus, who is sometimes called “The Great Shepherd,” was God incarnate; born that we might know the grace and true nature of God, and that we, through God’s grace, can have eternal life.

The twenty-third Psalm best describes the nature of our relationship with God: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack for nothing.

This Psalm is a love song to God, and Jesus is our guide to living a life enfolded in God’s love. Read it and indulge yourself in the beautiful language and the wonderfully comforting images and metaphors it contains.  God watches over us, giving us what we need; directing our path and steering us back to the path when we go wandering.

 
As we approach the day celebrating the birth of Jesus, let us surrender ourselves to the leading of the Good Shepherd.  Let us pray for God’s guidance and protective care. Let us give thanks for the blessings that God bestows on us.  We know that without God’s shepherding, we are a lost people.  We search for happiness and fulfillment in places where it cannot be found. “Gentle Shepherd come and lead us, for we need your tender care.”