The Shepherd: Gathered and Carried  

A Nativity Story part 2

December 14, 2025

Jesus has come to gather His flock... even the loud ones... and carry them close to His heart. 

1. The Shepherd Who SEEKS

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:4-7 

2. The Shepherd Who CARRIES

"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." Isaiah 40:11

3. The Shepherd Who CONNECTS

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." John 10:14-16

4. The Shepherd Who HOLDS CLOSE

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27