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REFLECTION
Cradled by Love
by Judy Webb
6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
The verses above bring a warm feeling to my heart, and after studying them I am beginning to grasp their deep meaning for me. I am reminded of how I am getting older (aren’t we all?), and I am beginning to fade away. I’m not as vital, as strong, or as winkle-free as I once was. Verse 7 testifies to the fact that even the beauty of man fades and dies. It is a fact of life. But, another fact is that God’s Word doesn’t fade, doesn’t change. It hasn’t changed since the first day it was written in the Heavens.
Years ago, when I was at a low point, a friend gave me a precious Christmas gift, a picture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd with a lamb cuddled close to Him in a giant hug. I needed to feel that comfort, that safety and protective love. That picture encompassed all that I was longing for. Each Advent I am reminded of those days and of that picture and recognize that Jesus is all that, and more. That sheep was not slung over Jesus’ shoulder but cradled close to His heart.
These past 18 months have been peppered with pain and each of us has processed it in differing ways. But we are still here, we can still turn to our Shepherd for guidance and protection.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Dear Jesus, save this picture in our minds and imprint it on our hearts so that we can call it to when we feel alone or unloved. During this Christmas week help each of us to see the baby and know that He is also our Shepherd and our Salvation. Amen
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