A shepherd’s job was to watch over the sheep. Watch the flock, so by night they would be safe. But this night was different. The message they received was unlike any other. A host of Heaven’s angels singing the praises of the Glory of this Newborn King.

It surely was a sight. The angel’s response was, “Do not be afraid!” The fear quickly turned to joy because they went straight to see all they had been told and when they found Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, they ran through the streets praising God.   

The sheep they watched were blemished. In some way, imperfect. To see the perfect lamb must have truly been a sight for their watchful eyes.

We are those blemished lambs looked upon by our Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and because of that, we needed the perfect sacrifice to come and take our place. 

We needed our relationship restored. Before Jesus came the only way to be forgiven for a time was through a sacrifice. That was never enough and was never meant to be. God needed a solution to be available for all and for all time. Because of our sins and blemishes, our relationship with God was broken and the only answer was through Jesus. 

I am always amazed when I think of Jesus, leaving His perfect home, coming as a newborn babe. The most vulnerable state of a human’s reality. The dependence on others for our mere existence. Yet, God chose for that to be the path to accomplishing His work.  

Not only was His path, to take on a human body but to take on the hardships of human life. To come as a servant. To be born in such a lowly place as a stable. To be laid in straw, in the manger, wrapped and covered only in swaddling clothes.

Why would God leave His Heavenly home to do all of that for me? For you? Love!

Love came down. Wrapped in those swaddling cloths. Wrapped in the protection of His Loving Father. Wrapped in the plan to save us and set us free. His arms wrapped up tight so one day they could be opened wide to welcome home His prodigal children.  

For me? For You? Love!

The reason for Christmas, so the Shepherd could one day look His blemished sheep in the eye and see us as His perfect children. Through the cross, through His loving sacrifice, Jesus.  

Emmanuel, God has come (Isaiah 7:14). He came to be with us. I love that He is willing to be a with us God. To show His power and love through the miracle of His One and Only Begotten Son.

For God so loved the world, that He sent His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Whoever chooses to believe in God’s only Son, whoever chooses to turn their life and trust over to Him will not perish. You did not choose this life but you can choose where you spend your eternal life.

God came, took on the form of a man, it’s why we celebrate Christmas, so you and I could choose life.   

While the shepherds watched over their fields that night….

Emmanuel came to be the God with us. Will you choose to Believe this Christmas?

cb Share Here bc

I would love to connect with you on social media! 

cb Share Here bc

Almost seven years ago, my husband and I lost twins. One week before Christmas, I was in the hospital delivering them. For a couple of years after, I would get very anxious right after Thanksgiving and I could not figure out why.

Finally, I realized like clockwork this time of year meant facing this in our lives all over again. Although God has done a miracle in rescuing my heart, I still think about them. I know that they are in His loving arms and I praise Him for that.

This time of year brings a bit of sadness but also a lot of peace. I know some people may not understand what God did and does in those situations but we can be certain of one thing. God loves us.

He is our rock and foundation when life is tough and trials come our way. We can draw near to him and He will draw near to us. He is God and even if we don’t understand, we can be granted a peace that would surpass that understanding.

For me, Christmas has always been a joyous time. To not only celebrate the life of Christ but to celebrate the life Christ has given. 

Now it means treasuring the memories I have and looking forward to making more in the future.  I love getting together with my family. I love giving gifts to the people I love. As I get older those occasions seem to be fewer. So I will hold onto the time God grants us and pray for joy in each of those moments. 

What things are you facing this holiday season? Christ came to this Earth as Immanuel, meaning God with us. Even though we may feel alone, God is just a prayer away. I pray for each of you as you read posts this week. I pray you will be encouraged by each of them. Whether you are facing a trial or a difficult season in your life I pray that you will find joy in the moments that are laid out before you.

Have a wonderful week. 

Welcome to Sitting Among Friends Blog Party #2. These posts will inspire and encourage you. Take your time reading, pull up a chair as you sit down with some new friends. Please comment and Share them.

Link-Up Friends, if you follow on Pinterest you will see all of your posts @Jaime_Wiebel 

By Adding Your Link, An Email reminder From Sitting Among Friends will come to your email to remind you the party is open, thanks for sitting down with us today!
I hope to see you back again next week. 

Please encourage others by reading and sharing posts.  

I hope that you will add us to your list and come back every Wednesday to inspire others with your posts. 
This is not a requirement but I would love to connect with you on social media sites. You will find follow buttons at the top of the page. 
Have a wonderful week and please send your friends over our direction.