Week 2- Day 5 (PEACE - against anxiety)

CHARACTER STUDY: Shepherds

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ʻDo not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.ʼ

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising god and saying,

ʻGlory to God in the Highest,

and on earth peace to men on

whom his favor rests.ʼ

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, ʻLetʼs go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.ʼ

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

WHAT IS BEING A SHEPHERD?

A good example of a shepherd is God. Like a shepherd, God cares for all his sheep day and night. And if one of his sheep wanders onto the wrong path, a shepherd will leave all his flock to return the one lost lamb. Just like today! You can be a shepherd by spreading the good news, not just to those who stay in the “herd” but to those who are separated from it.

Who is someone who has been like a “shepherd” to you? Is there anyone for whom you are a “shepherd?”

Valencia Vasquez, guest writer