About following our shepherd…
Matthew 2:6 " `But you, Bethlehem, in
the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of
you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
As His flock of sheep, we
too often do not listen to the gentle voice calling us to come near to Him.
Christ came to save us from our sins, but we have, in large measure, ignored
Him. As much love and warmth as we find in remembering His birth at Christmas,
there lingers yet the truth that, as a world, we have not listened to Him or
followed Him. In each of our lives, there is the struggle between following Him
versus ignoring Him. As we give gifts this year, let us remember we celebrate
Christmas as a reminder to follow Him. As we hold His love within us, let us
always commit ourselves to never abandoning Him. As we give to each other, let
us remember His call to us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might.
For in Christ, we do not find someone who calls us to go through the motions of
giving at Christmas. In Christ, we find someone who calls us to give our all to
Him and give our all to walk His path of love, compassion, and mercy toward
others.
