Advent Day 5 John 10:2-4

“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:2-4 ESV) 

If you have come to know Christ as your Savior, you know in your heart that He called you. You are His sheep. This Advent, we are called to remember the birth of our Shepherd. We hear His Words, His call, every time we open the Bible. The Bible is alive, and God calls to us, “Come learn more about me.”

When you know Jesus, you will spot those who speak false words about Christ, and you will leave them behind. Sheep know their shepherd, just as Christ told us. It is incredible to me that the lowliest workers of Bethlehem received the first news of the birth of the Messiah before anyone else in that little town.

However, this aligns with the entire story of Jesus' birth. He was not born into royalty, no, He was born into poverty. He did not wear purple silk robes but was clothed in swaddling cloth. He did not sleep in an ivory and gold crib, but found comfort in a manger, a borrowed feed trough belonging to the animals within whose barn He was born. And later that night, He was surrounded by whom, the shepherds.

If you do not know Jesus and have come to In Messiah seeking Him, here you may find Him. You will find Him in the words of Scripture, and in the words of those who know Him and are inspired, called to tell you all about His glory.

Salvation can come to those whom God has elected. If you feel a strong, unexplainable pull towards Him, He is calling you. This Advent, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, join us in this celebration. Call to Christ and ask Him to save you from yourself, from your sins. Through grace and by faith, you can come to understand the true peace and forgiveness that God offers. Come to understand the true meaning of Christmas. After all, the etymology of Christmas originates from the Old English phrase “Christes Maesse,” meaning a mass or celebration of Christ.

Advent Prayer Day 5

Lord God,

You are our Shepherd, and You tend to us every second of every day.

We give You our praise and glorify You for Your love and mercy that overflows onto Your children.

Please help us to remember You were born to poverty and died in persecution bearing our sins along the way.

Help us to celebrate the beginning of the New Covenant found in the birth, life, and death of Your Son, our Savior Christ Jesus.

Father God, help us to be humble and love one another as you first loved us.

Not because of who we are, but because of what you have done, giving us the right to be called

children of God.

For the sake of Your only begotten Son, we pray, Amen.