The Good Shepherd

 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. — Psalm 10:11

This advent season, we celebrate the arrival of our Lord.

We thank God for the birth of His Son, Jesus.

I love to sing carols and read Scripture.

Our (fake) evergreen tree reminds me of the eternal life God gives us through Jesus. 

The lights remind me that Jesus is the Light of the world.

We are grateful.

 

 

Glorifying and Praising God

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. — Luke 2:20

The shepherds were so excited about seeing the baby Jesus, that they couldn't help but share the good news.

I don't always do a great job of sharing that news with others.

But God has blessed me and has kept every one of His promises.

After all that I have heard and seen, I too, am a first-hand witness of God's love and mercy.

Help me to praise you Lord, just as the shepherds did long ago.

The Messiah Is Born

Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written. — Matthew 2:5

King Herod asked the Magi where Jesus would be born.

He did not want another king to threaten his kingdom or  power.

But he pretended to be interested in the new baby king.

The wise men told him where Jesus would be found.

They had followed the writings of the prophet Isaiah and knew where Jesus would be.

Jesus, the Gate

Therefore Jesus said again, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." — John 10:9

Jesus is the gate to our lives.

He is our Savior and friend.

Whoever enters through Jesus will be saved.

He is our Shepherd.

We are the sheep of His pasture.

The flock in His care.

God Spoke

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. — Hebrews 1:1-2

God speaks to us through His Word in Scripture.

 

And through His prophets.

 

And even in His creation.

He speaks to us through His Son, Jesus.

God appointed Him heir of all things.

Our God, the Trinity, made the universe.

Live Holy Lives

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. — 2 Peter 3:10-11

We do not know when the Lord will come again.

The day of Lord will come when we least expect it.

Since we don't know when that will be, God calls us to live holy lives.

He asks us to live as godly men and women.

Prepared at all times to face our God.

The candy cane reminds of the stripes Jesus took for our sake.

The three small ribbons in the candy cane remind us of the Trinity.

The shape remind us of the shepherd's crook or staff.

And the white reminds us of Jesus' purity and holiness.

Overflow with Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

God gives hope to a world lost and dying.

He fills us with joy in His Son, Jesus.

The Lord brings us peace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

When I trust in Him, He fills me with joy and peace.

So I can overflow with hope.

And with the power of the Holy Spirit.

This Advent season, we look forward to the Lord's coming.

To the birth of our Lord Jesus.