The True Shepherd: Discernment, Deception, and Deep Joy at Christmas
Jesus Himself warned that deception often comes dressed in familiarity and appeal. (Mark 7:9) During Christmas, when distractions are plentiful and expectations are high, believers are called to look beyond surface joy and seek the source of true joy.
By recognizing the presence of false promises masked in allure, as depicted in Matthew 7:15, Christians are called during Christmas to seek the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who alone brings salvation and authentic, lasting joy.
Conclusion: Choosing the Shepherd Who Leads to Life
Now that we are coming to the end of this message, Christmas places a question before each of us: Whose voice are we following? Throughout the world we can find many shepherds voices that promise joy, peace, and fulfillment, but cannot lead us to life. They will appear safe and appealing, but they will leave your soul wandering and unsatisfied.
Jesus, on the other hand, stands apart. Christ does not call us with empty words or temporary comfort. He calls us by name. (Jeremiah 1:5)He leads us with truth. He protects us with His sacrifice. The child born in Bethlehem is the Shepherd who walks before His flock, who knows our burdens, and who laid down His life so we could be restored to God. (Romans 5:8)
This Christmas, when choosing the Shepherd who leads to life means slowing down enough to listen for His voice. We need to reject the distractions that draw our hearts away, and fully trusting Him as our source of true joy. When we surrender ourselves and follow Jesus, we are not merely celebrating a season, we are embracing a Savior. Through Him, we will find not only hope for today, but life that is abundant now and eternal forever.
May we leave this season not led by false promises, but guided by the good news and the Good Shepherd, whose love never fails and whose path always leads to life.
With Christmas, we are invited to take a deep breath and slow down, listen carefully, and choose wisely. Knowing not every promise brings life. All of the noise from every voice speaks truth. But the voice of Jesus still calls gently, faithfully, and clearly.
- Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
- John 14:6 — “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
- Jesus does not offer temporary happiness, He offers eternal salvation.
- He does not disguise Himself, He reveals the Father.
- He does not abandon His flock, He gives His life for it.
This Christmas, may we discern the false distractions and embrace Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd, who alone brings authentic transformation and lasting joy. 🎄✝️
Reflection Questions
- Looking Back to Move Forward:
- Over the course of this series, what truth about Jesus as Shepherd has most challenged or encouraged you? How has your understanding of authentic joy and discernment grown?
- From Awareness to Action:
- Throughout this series, we have identified false promises and true hope. What is one specific change God is prompting you to make as a result of what you’ve learned?
- Whose Voice Shapes Your Direction:
- When you consider the decisions you are making right now, whose voice has the greatest influence culture, fear, comfort, or Christ? What would it look like to more fully surrender your direction to the Good Shepherd?
- Living the Message Beyond the Season:
- This series concludes during Christmas, but following Jesus continues every day. How can you intentionally practice discernment and dependence on the Shepherd after this season ends?
- A Shepherd-Led Life:
- If someone were to look at your life six months from now, what evidence would you hope they see that you are being led by the Good Shepherd rather than driven by false promises?
Final Altar Call / Invitation: Choosing the Shepherd
As we close this series, the invitation before us is simple, but deeply personal:
Whose voice will you follow?
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)
There are some of us that have realized through this series that we’ve been listening to voices that promised comfort but only deliver confusion. Voices that offered control but ultimately lead to anxiety. Voices that look safe but are slowly pulling our hearts away from Christ.
Today, Jesus stands before us not as a distant figure in a manger, but as the living Good Shepherd; calling, inviting, and leading.
If you need to:
- Return to Jesus after drifting
- Surrender control and trust Him again
- Lay down false hopes and receive true life
- Or follow the Shepherd for the very first time
This is your moment. Not out of pressure, but out of love.
Jesus has never asked for perfection, do have it all together, He is asking for your heart.
If you’re ready to choose the Shepherd who leads to life, respond in faith, right where you are, as a declaration that you are choosing His voice above all others. CLICK HERE…..
Always, remember this:
You are not wandering sheep, you are known, loved, and led.
- May the Lord bless you with discernment to recognize truth
- Courage to reject false promises
- Give you peace that comes from walking closely with the Good Shepherd.
- May the voice of Jesus be louder than the noise of the world
- His joy deeper than your circumstances
- His presence be your greatest treasure this Christmas and beyond.
“Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing His will… through Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Hebrews 13:20–21)
Go in peace. Follow the Shepherd. Live in joy.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for meeting us throughout this series. Thank You for Your Word that warns us, guides us, and ultimately leads us to Jesus, the one and only true Shepherd of our souls. Lord, I confess that there have been times when I have chased voices that were loud instead of true, familiar instead of faithful. Forgive me for placing my hope in temporary things rather than in You. Jesus, I choose You again today. I choose Your voice over the noise, Your truth over deception and Your life over false promises. As I leave this series and move forward from Christmas, help me to live as person who is led. Led by Your Spirit, shaped by Your Word, and anchored in Your love. Guard my heart, sharpen my discernment, Restore my joy, and help me point others to the Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. In Jesus Name Amen.
Getting to Know Him
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Drink of Jesus 
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