Josh Garrels sings ‘Shepherd’s Song’. As we prepare to pray with the scripture of the Good Shepherd today, let your mind settle on a field of sheep – perhaps one you have seen recently... or go there in your imagination. Notice what draws your attention...

This begins with a breath

From the waters You were blessed

Pushing through the pain and blood

Into the arms of love

And Your mother's face above

Before You came she was afraid

In the night she cried and prayed

"Oh, God am I strong enough?"

To be the arms of love

To be the mother of this son

O beautiful one

My child, my son

We rejoice

From generation

To generation

We rejoice

And magnify the Lord

All, like sheep, have gone astray

But You will call them back one day

By the marks of pain and blood

Back to the arms of love

The good Father's face above

O beautiful one

My child, my son

We rejoice

From generation

To generation

We rejoice

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 18:12-14

What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Today’s passage is the well-known account of the Good Shepherd. As Jesus paints the picture, let us take an imaginative journey into scripture to find a deeper meaning.

Imagine the early morning light settling on a rugged hillside. Feel the warming breeze. Hear the scattered bleating of sheep, the rising birdsong. The shepherd counting quietly; recognising the stance of each animal - then notices one is missing.

You see his attention shift - not toward the ninety-nine - but toward the empty space.

How does this moment reflect Advent, as God call you towards the Incarnation?

Perhaps you may recall times when you have felt distant, scattered, or unsure of the path?

Perhaps there is a part of you that needs to be found?

In Advent, God does not wait for us to make our way back. The Gospel emphasises not the “lostness” but the rejoicing when found. As you hear the passage again, notice how the Lord sees you and draws you to him - with joy.

Matthew 18:12-14

What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

In this time of prayer, talk with the Lord, with the Good Shepherd, about whatever is needed.

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus