I’m a little late getting started posting these, but here’s a piece of an Advent Devotional that I’ve written.  I hope you find it helpful.

December 2, 2014

Isaiah 40:9-11

You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.

11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

One of the difficult parts about being “between Advents” (between Jesus’ 1^st and 2^nd comings) is waiting… and wondering. Like God’s people through history, we ask “How long, Lord?” How long until You right the wrongs in this world? How long until you bring real justice, complete healing, a restored creation, harmonious relationships? How long, Lord? How quickly we forget that we, Jesus’ current Body on earth, are meant to display (even imperfectly) of the kind of kingdom King Jesus will one day bring in fullness. We forget that we’re called to be a foretaste of the coming Kingdom. One way to be reminded is to keep our focus on our Shepherd and Leader, King Jesus. Notice how tender, how personal is His care. See how He loves the broken and hurting, how He pursues lost and wandering sheep. And let Him, today, be your Good Shepherd, leading you to green pastures and quiet waters. Let Him restore your soul.

Into which broken places in our world is Jesus calling you to bring a taste of God’s Kingdom? What step can you take?

How is Jesus leading you today as your Shepherd? What is He saying to your soul?

For Families:

Think about a shepherd and his sheep. What’s something you like about the fact that Jesus is your shepherd?