He shall tend his flock like a shepherd. Isaiah 40:11 

This beautiful song from Handel’s Messiah is familiar to us as an image of Jesus as a shepherd, feeding his flock and caring for the lambs. “Come unto Him, ye that are heavy laden,” the song assures us, “And He will give you rest.”

Rest can be in short supply at this time of year. Some of us are busy cramming all the entertainment we can into a few brief weeks. Some of us are worried that we won’t be able to meet all the obligations we’ve taken on — or had thrust upon us — for our families, our workplaces, and even our church. Some are burdened by loneliness and a sense that the people who complain about being too busy are having fun while we miss out. Jesus offers rest for all of us. 

But if we listen closely, we’ll find that Jesus is not offering all his flock the same sustenance. He carries the lambs in his arms. He gently leads the expectant ewes. He offers rest to the hard workers carrying heavy loads, but also gentle guidance to those who need direction. The rest the song offers us is not just a break. It is the particular healing support each of us needs.

Jesus does all of this in humility and kindness, with authority as our sovereign Lord, but somehow still with a meek and lowly heart. 

This Advent season, may we be thankful for our Good Shepherd, who knows just what we need and provides it. May God give us grateful hearts, and also meek and lowly hearts of our own. 

Contributed by Rebecca Haden