As we worship with one another the Lord Jesus, born in Bethlehem, we remember the joyous news of His birth.  Immanuel means God is with us.  The shepherds were the first to receive the announcement of His birth.  Such ordinary people for such extraordinary news!

While observing the farmers back home in Tennessee, I learned something new about shepherding. Regardless of their efforts to curb the loss of sheep to coyotes, flocks were dwindling to numbers forcing many farmers to stop raising sheep and goats.  It was alarming!  Then one year I asked Bud how his flock was doing.  He said, “They’re doing fine ever since I got that sheep dog.  I haven’t lost a single one this year.”  He further explained to me that this was no ordinary dog. The Pyrenees Sheep dog is huge, white and boasts a very deep bark. 

When still a puppy, it is weaned from its mother and fed along with the sheep by the shepherd farmer in the safety of the barn.  It sleeps with them and begins to live with them 24 hours a day until several months old. Then the farmer releases the flock onto the open range of the farm, ever accompanied by the Pyrenees shepherd.  I have observed this in action and it is quite amazing.  One cannot get near the sheep without a fierce encounter with the protective, ever-present guardian. 

You see the picture I am sure.  The dog left its world to live among the sheep.  He protects them. In a way, he saves and holds them.  That is a picture of what we celebrate at Christmas.  God with us!  God came to be with us in Christ Jesus, His Son.  He saves us and holds us through the power of His will, grace and favor.  Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will to all men!

Merry Christmas Friends!

Coach/PJ