GOD LOVES SHEPHERDS

 

Friday, December 16, 2022

 

GOD LOVES SHEPHERDS

 

Luke 2:8-11

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

          God seems to have an affinity for shepherds. Lonely, inconvenienced, ignored, shepherds likely developed an affinity for God as well. They were guides, guards, and protectors of straying flocks. They shared a common understanding of the hapless and helpless.

 

          Understandably, angels announced the birth of The Good Shepherd who would give his life for the sheep. Removed from the glitter and glow of deep-seated Jewish ritual, the shepherds worshipped, when they worshipped, in spirit and in truth. Without laver or chalice, their worship was heart to heart, sincere, and without formality. Worship has ever been the best when reality has replaced formality.

 

          This Christmas, may it be so with us. Not that we should abandon the forms and symbols, but that we should worship heart to heart.

 

Come to my Heart by Naomi Taylor

 

Heaven's arches rang

When the angels sang

Celebrating Your majesty

But of lowly birth

You came down to earth

Clothed Yourself in humility

 

O come, come to my heart

There is room for Thee, Lord Jesus

O come, come to my heart

There is room for Thee

 

Lord, let me worship in humility and sincerity. AMEN