photo #3321887

14. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.17. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. John 10: 14-17 At this time of year we prepare to celebrate Christmas. But let us remember, what we are to celebrate. It is the coming of our Lord and Savior. There is no Christmas without Christ. Listen to His words, I am the good shepherd, the overseer of the people of God. Christ knows all of His by name, and we know Him. Christ and the Father being equal as God, the Father's love for Christ was before the universe was created. And the Father loves Christ, for this purpose He came, that He would lay down His own life, to save men from sin. Not just Israel, but the chosen from the Gentiles. Why did He have to die? To save us from our sin, it's personal, no one can take away your sin but Christ. The love of Christ for His creations, is so strong that He would die in our place, so we could live, there is no other gift like it, and you cannot find it anywhere but in Christ the Lord. And where do you hear the voice of the Lord, it is in the Gospel message, calling you to repentance and salvation, and to receive eternal life, through Christ, Amen.