Day Two: The Nativity Reconsidered

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14, NIV)

Do you have favorite Christmas traditions? Decorating our house the day after Thanksgiving is top on my list. One of the highlights is setting up the nativity on our fireplace mantle. I love placing the sheep and the shepherds around Mary, Joseph, and the manger. This scene continually reminds me Jesus is my Good Shepherd.

Did you know this name of Jesus has history?

Jacob, one of the great fathers of our faith, was the first to call God “my shepherd.” (Genesis 48:15)

David made this name famous in Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need.” (CSB)

Isaiah prophesied the coming of another Shepherd, saying this Shepherd would tend His flocks, gather His lambs in His arms, carry them close to His heart, and gently lead them. (Isaiah 40:11)

Who was the coming Shepherd Isaiah spoke of? He was the baby in the manger my treasured shepherds came to see.

Jesus fulfilled this name of God in John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (NIV)

Jesus used the Greek Word, poimen, which means one who tends to all the needs of his flock. When we look to Middle Eastern history, the shepherd went before his sheep to protect, feed and lead them. He often named his sheep, and they recognized his voice when he called their name. Shepherds willingly laid down their lives to protect their sheep.

Jesus perfectly fulfilled this name of God. He willingly laid down His life for ours. He leads and protects us. He knows us intimately and calls us by name.

Just as He knows His Father and His Father knows Him, so Jesus, our Shepherd, knows us. Knows you.

He knows your sin, the darkest parts of your past, your failures, your fears, and your insecurities. Yet, He remains your faithful Good Shepherd.

In Him, you lack nothing. He gives you the confidence to lie down and sleep in peace in the midst of chaos. He feeds you His living and active Word and quenches your thirst with His living water.

Our Shepherd comforts your broken heart. Refreshes your weariness. Rescues you from fear and anxiety. He finds you when you’re lost or in the middle of a big old mess.

And, even when it feels like God has forgotten you, your Shepherd is with you, providing for your every need.

Will you join me in reconsidering the nativity scene this Christmas season? While Jesus is always the center, take time to ponder the sheep and the shepherd. Remember who your Good Shepherd is. You don’t have to wrestle through the hard things alone. His heart has only the very best in mind for you. He proved this when He, the Lamb of God, laid down His life for you. Tell Jesus what it means to know He is your Shepherd. Take time to thank Him for the gift of His presence and provision.

Father, thank you that you sent Jesus to be my Shepherd. Jesus, thank you that you know me by name and call me your own. Thank you that I can trust you and be content in you, no matter my circumstances. Thank you for reminding me that I’m not alone in my trials and valleys. You are always with me, strengthening and upholding me. In your name I pray. Amen.