Weekend Words (Christmas)

From Seeds of the Kingdom...

Today's The Day

"Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." - Luke 2:11-12

Isaiah had prophesied that when the Messiah came His arm would rule for Him, but that He would also tend His flock like a shepherd.  In this prophecy (Isaiah 40:10-11) we see two different aspects of the character of Jesus - Jesus the King who will rule and Jesus the Shepherd who will care for the sheep.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Scripture tells us that there were two sets of unusual visitors - the first were the shepherds, who had both heard the angels telling of the birth of Christ and seen the host of angels praising God in thanksgiving.  Then there were the kings who brought their rich gifts and bowed before the baby who was also a King, but whose authority far outweighed that of any earthly king.  In a remarkable way, these two visitors to the baby Jesus reflected the prophecy of Isaiah; both the shepherds and the kings came and acknowledged that they were bowing before a far superior shepherd and a far greater King.

As we celebrate, with thanksgiving, the coming of the Messiah, the Saviour of the world, let us never forget that this baby grew to become that great 'Shepherd of the sheep' who cares deeply for every one of His lambs, even you and me.  But that He is also reigning as King of kings and that ultimately all authority rests in His hands.

So whatever the situation the world is in, He is ultimately in control.  And whatever situation you may be in personally, He is still the Good Shepherd.  Try and spend a few minutes this Christmas thinking about your life and choosing to let Him reign in your life as King and bringing to Him, as your Shepherd, all the concerns that are pressing down upon you.  He is sufficient for all these things.

Prayer: Thank you, Father God, for Jesus, the most amazing Christmas gift anyone could ever receive.  Help me to mark this Christmas season with a new understanding of how precious Jesus is.  In His name, Amen.

- Peter Horrobin

A Christmas Prayer for You! 

Bless us Lord, this Christmas with quietness of mind,

Teach us to be patient, and always to be kind.

Show us that in quietness, we can feel your presence near,

Filling us with joy and peace, throughout the coming year.