Among the Lambs

When ewes near Bethlehem gave birth, their newborn lambs were swaddled in cloth and laid on soft hay in a manger.  The shepherds did this so the lambs wouldn't cut or bruise themselves or the others. There was an especially high demand for lambs without spot or blemish at Passover time.

Do you think when the shepherds found Jesus laying in the manger He was lying next to swaddled lambs?  Jesus, the Perfect Lamb of God, was the miracle sign the shepherds searched for, found, worshiped and celebrated. They went out and told everyone the great news on that precious night.  The shepherds would have recognized the significance of where and how Jesus was lain and served as the very first evangelists.



Luke 2:15-17 paraphrased

After the angels disappeared,
the shepherds hurried into town to see this unusual site.
They found the newborn Son of God,
just as they had heard it from the angels,
swaddled and lying in a manger!
They went out rejoicing,
telling everyone the great and glorious Good News!

Feet

Years ago I worked as a bedside nurse on a large medical  floor.  My assignment was often in their isolation unit.  Many of the patients in those lonely rooms had leg or foot ulcers.  It was one of my favorite places to work.

One of the reasons I enjoyed working there, was to bring a little joy and comfort to those sick, isolated, mostly elderly people.  Another reason was because I loved to take care of their feet.  It was an opportunity to talk to them about where their feet had taken them, to gently love up on them, and to linger a bit to listen.

Now, as I sit before the Lord, with head bowed and eyes closed, I imaging I see Jesus's nail scarred feet.  Tears of love and gratitude flow as I think about where those feet have taken Him.  They have gone from womb to cross, and in between, they have walked upon a very privileged planet.

Little do I realize just how great my Creators love is for me.
Oh! That You would rend my heart to expand my capacity to receive more of Your tremendous love.
Enable me to love You and others and do it well as I walk the path You have set before me.


Is 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
"Your God reigns!"

Only Now Do I Know

Reading in the book of  James, I am convicted of double - mindedness,  wavering between if I really want something or would another thing be better.  Many times I don't know what is really best for me.

Coming before the Lord, to hear His voice give clarity, I discover peace. There at His feet I know what I want. I WANT the wisdom of which James speaks. I want whatever Father knows is best for me, and I want it all, regardless of cost.  I not only want it but I am desperate for it.

Oh Father!  Let your will be done!


James 1:5-6a If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith,
with no doubting