Psalm 23:2-3a NKJV — He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.
For a sheep to lie down in green pastures means two things
First, they have eaten their fill.
Second, there’s more available the moment they want to stand up and eat again.
Jesus said, “I am that bread of life.” John 6:48 KJV
Still water is the only kind most sheep will go near. They are afraid of moving water since they are not built to swim.
John 4:14 NKJV — “but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross paid for every sin and saves us from eternal death.
His life gives us abundant spiritual bread and water.
John 6:35 KJV — And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Truly, Jesus restores the soul.
While celebrating the birth of our Savior, let us recall the beauty of salvation and the joy which comes from freedom from the bonds of sin and death.
Psalm 51:12 KJV — Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Pictures today can be either hay and a watering trough, or bread and a water jar. Both would be expected in a place which housed animals and people.
Play, listen, and or sing Away in a Manger.
While enjoying this Christmas carol let your heart meditate upon the truths we’ve already looked at. First, Jesus is the Lamb of God. Secondly, the manger wasn’t a mistake, but a purposeful picture. Third, Jesus’s death and resurrection restores our souls from sin and death.
patientlyhopeful 