“He shall feed his flock like
a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
(Isaiah 40:11)
The beautiful alto
aria based on this text is one of my favorite pieces in the oratorio. In the aftermath of joyful angelic chorus,
this quiet aria calls the listener to reflection. Bullard says of this aria, “It is a warm, enfolding song, with lines
descending like the shepherd stooping to pick up a lamb. This is the music of the kind and compassionate
Jesus.”
On Christmas Eve,
our thoughts turn to the scene of a simple manger, the tender place of love
shared between parents and newborn. Here
we see God loving the world, you and me, so much, that like a shepherd, God
bends down from heaven to take us in His arms.
Allow the Shepherd to gently lead you throughout this day in his kind
and compassionate ways.
Prayer: Gentle
Shepherd, lead our steps this day as we come near to Bethlehem . In the security of your arms, may we find
anew the Savior of the World. Amen.
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