Step into Christmas
Welcome to December! This year’s countdown to Christmas has begun. After the most unusual and difficult year in living memory many are hoping that Christmas will somehow be ‘magical’!
Already homes are being illuminated with festive lights, trees are up and Christmas music fills the airwaves! We have not got our tree yet, that’s a job for next week.
I have started my ‘Monty Bojangle’ advent calendar (posh, I know). In this advent season, Christians prepare and reflect on the arrival of Jesus – God’s promised Messiah.
There are many hints of this King in the prophetic pages of the Old Testament. If you have attended a Carol Service you have probably heard the famous quotes. However, one can also be found in the book of Ezekiel...
“This is what the Lord GOD says: I, myself, will search for my sheep and take care of them. As a shepherd takes care of his scattered flock when it is found, I will take care of my sheep. I will save them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.”
God said this to Israel at a time when their leaders were corrupt and neglecting their responsibilities. Against this backdrop God said that He would step in.
In these verses the ‘people’ are referred to as sheep and God as a good shepherd. Everyone would have understood exactly what that meant, as they were a nation of shepherds.
God said He would step in. He would rescue, care and protect them. He did this by sending Jesus –
that baby in the manger we see on Christmas cards. Jesus was and still is the one who rescues, cares and protects people. This is the great news of Christmas!
We too are like sheep and Jesus is still the good shepherd, and He longs to rescue, care and protect you! This Christmas can you hear His voice? He is calling out to you. Will you respond?
Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe & God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader