God! Wonderful Shepherd!

Today, although we are continuing to be illuminated with shepherd lights, we have differently shaped and sized lights before us, which come from a different Bible text. Remember the base of the tree, that on which we are being enlightened, lightened and made brighter in our dark places, is this. Remember, the Lord shepherds you.

We have been granted much learning from this verse. And there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Our last discussion was on the word, night, noting that shepherds kept watch over their flock at night for different reasons. A three-pronged light was lit up for us, where focus was given to the shepherds being awake at night and keeping watch. Not one reason, stated or even suggested that they stayed awake for themselves, their own safety, entertainment or edification.

In other words, the shepherds were not awake watching for people who would come to attack them. No! They didn’t stay awake for their safety. They consciously became watchmen, staying awake to protect the flock, first and foremost.

As gorgeous, thrilling and electrifying as starry nights could be, the shepherds did not keep awake for star gazing. No! They didn’t keep awake for their entertainment. Their first and dedicated reason was the protection of their flock. 

As much as wise men or astronomers, were known to study the stars, spending nights in the open fields, looking up and learning from such beautifully lit celestial bodies, these shepherds never had that as their motive or ambition. No! They didn’t stay awake for their education. Their priority and single motive was their flock.

Having these as brightly burning bulbs in us, we continue with the Advent narrative, where shepherds are concerned. Here is another verse, carefully fitted with more illuminating lights of wisdom and understanding.

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. Luke 2: 20.

Now this is indeed luminous, magnificent, awesome and extremely resurrecting in all our dead, cold and comatose faith and belief. I am certain that many will agree with me as I lavishly dish out all that was so freely and generously poured out upon me and within me. O! Let us give unstinting thanks, praise, honour, glory, might and merit to our Heavenly Father, for His shepherding. He is the Lord God, and we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Who is our Lord, Father, Shepherd and God? Look! See! Hear! Know your Shepherd.

Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. Isaiah 40: 10 – 11.

Our Father in heaven, thank You for shepherding us. Thank You for keeping watch over us in the night hours of our lives. We appreciate all that You do for all Your flock. We bow before You in deepest gratitude, honour and respect. For the old and the young, for the weak and the strong, You are most unwaveringly attentive and flawlessly caring. Keep us Yours, forever and forever. Amen! 

Full of illuminated hope and enlightened belief we receive, in fired up faith, more about shepherds. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

We are uncontrollably curious about three huge-sized Advent bulbs that stand prominently before us. We want to know more on:-

From where did the shepherds return?

Why were they glorifying and praising God?

What was told to them?

Continue to move us and show us, Holy Spirit. Thank You. Amen!