West Park Baptist Church

Loving God, Loving People, Impacting the World

Shepherds

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Shepherd's Jubilation, on wall of Holy Land Shepherd's ChapelAnd the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had
heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:20

I was raised in a non-Christian home. There were four children in the house, and it was not unusual for the gifts to almost touch the ceiling. We did not have any idea that “Jesus was the reason for the season.” We did Christmas up big! Then on December 14, 1988 that all changed.

My youngest brother died in a car accident. My parents’ Christmas zeal just went away. I remember that year well, as it was my first son’s second Christmas. I had been saved in April of that year and was struggling with how to celebrate Christmas for my son but still respect this grief that my family was so overtaken with.

I was very young in my faith, but I knew I could pray, “God, how do I make this Christmas special when the loss of my precious brother is so tender?” God sweetly reminded me, when He sent His son, this babe, who would one day take away the sins of the world, He also sent the one who would conquer the grave.

During the Christmas season of 1988, like the Shepherds, we turned our celebration from the mountains of gifts to the celebration of the ultimate gift, where all our hopes could rest. We glorified and praised God for all He had done through His son Jesus.

Photo: Shepherd’s Jubilation, on wall of a Shepherd’s Chapel in the Holy Land

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  1. Thanks Theresa, for all that you r and all that you do, for GOD, our church and community, for the message and how you grieved for your brother during the CHRISTMAS SEASON. I lost my older and much beloved brother in early Dec, several yrs ago. GOD bless you and your family this CHRISTMAS SEASON,

  2. As you know, our family lost our firstborn son and big brother during the holiday season four years ago. This time of year has been tough ever since. Thank you for the powerful reminder that Jesus came, was crucified, and conquered the very same Death that took Shane. Jesus’ conquering will make it possible for me to see him again in Heaven. Merry Christmas to you, Wyatt, and the boys!

  3. Certainly death has a way of driving home what’s important. Losing my brother this year was one of the hardest things I’ve had to suffer through. I so look forward to seeing him again in glory. What a blessing to know that our Savior reigns…even over death!!!