At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:22–30 ESV)
Because we follow Jesus, he knows us and won’t let anyone or anything steal us away. He hears our voice when we cry out to him. Nothing can ever take us away from Jesus; therefore, nothing can ever take our peace because peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of a person. It’s not something you experience; it’s someone you walk with, and that person is Jesus. When we focus on Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we are safe in his hands. We can rest in his peace, come what may.
Jesus, thank you that you are the Good Shepherd. Keep me close so I can lean on you, the Father of compassion, my Comforter, and my Prince of Peace.
God, thank you for this season to prepare my heart for your arrival. I ask that you grow anticipation in me to see you move and work in my life. Give me eyes to see you working, help me recognize your voice, and help me open my hands to receive what you have for me this Christmas season.
As the Advent season comes to a close, we want to spend a few more days looking at what the birth of Jesus makes possible for us. We’ll continue to focus on the peace we have through him, and remember that his arrival is a gift we experience for now and forever.
