Sunday, December 13, 2009

Keeping watch over His flock . . .




And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.   (Luke 2: 8-16)

On that night of nights when the angel of the Lord came upon shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock and proclaimed to them, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”, they were  personally invited to search for the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Did these shepherds worry about their own possessions? Did they procrastinate their search for the Savior?  The record says that “the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem. … And they came with haste”!

As we seek  to find and keep Jesus in our hearts, let's remember who he was.  Jesus was born in a stable and lay in a manager. As He grew up, He learned, He worked, He shared, He sang, He prayed. He loved everyone and had a special love for children. He helped people, and He taught them to love and help one another.  By example, he taught those of old and still teaches us through scripture, the things that we should be doing every day in our lives.  All we have to do is ask.

Thomas S. Monson said  "As we undertake our personal search for Jesus, aided and guided by the principle of prayer, we must have a clear concept of Him whom we seek. The shepherds of old sought Jesus the child. But we seek Jesus the Christ, our Older Brother, our Mediator with the Father, our Redeemer, the Author of our salvation; He who was in the beginning with the Father; He who took upon Himself the sins of the world and so willingly died that we might forever live. This is the Jesus whom we seek."

This Christmas season, when  we read the story of His birth and we feel that warm inner glow, remember, it is our testimony of the reality of Jesus Christ growing within us. It grows even more, as we realize that our very best Christmas traditions are those in which we honor Jesus by loving as He loves, serving others and helping when we see a need.  Just like the star that shone so bright to guide the wise men, we also have the bright light of Christ to help guide us in this life. 

I know that this time of year can also be at time of difficulty, sadness and despair; trouble and pain can come to us at any time of the year.  But be assured that the Savior loves you and is with you always. I love the words to the song, "Be Still my Soul".  It gives me hope as I seek for answers! 





Have a beautiful Sunday, and as Tiny Tim would say, "God, bless us, everyone".

Blessings, Barb

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad you shared this Barb. Your focus is right this Christmas. May Jesus be real in your heart this Christmas and always.
Laura

The WIlloughby Family said...

I love this time of year when everyone is focusing on making Christ their center focus. It seems like even in the very places like church, the spirit of Christ is stronger during this time of year. In Church today a girl who just got home from a mission sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" in hugarian. Even though I didn't know what she was saying I felt the strong spirit she was giving-I am glad I was there!

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