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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Teri Brecto

What happens to a little lamb that is rejected by its mother? It will hang its head so low it will look as if it is beyond depressed!

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are lots of reasons she may do this. If the shepherd tries to return the lamb, the mother might even kick the baby away.

Once a ewe rejects one of the lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their little necks. Their spirits are broken.

These lambs are called “bummer lambs.”

Unless the shepherd intervenes, that little lamb will die — rejected and alone.

Do you know what the shepherd usually does?

The shepherd will take that rejected lamb into their home, feed it by hand and keep it warm. They will wrap it up in blankets and hold it to their chest so the little lamb can hear their heartbeat.

Once that lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.

That sheep never forgets the shepherd’s love and care when its mother rejected it. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess which sheep runs first? The sheep who knows the shepherd’s voice.

The “bummer” lamb isn’t loved more; it just knows intimately the one who loves it. It trusts the shepherd because it has experienced love from them before.

Many of us are “bummer lambs,” rejected and broken. But Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to his heart so we can hear his heartbeat.

We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the shepherd who will never leave us.

During this Christmas season, it’s the shepherd’s hope that all of his sheep feel loved and appreciated — not only by him, but by others.

We read in Psalm 23 of the good shepherd and the nourishment he provides for us in the meadows. As we all turn to these green pastures in the scriptures, for a word of comfort, direction or guidance, we will find relevant biblical passages that help us in our daily walk.

May our cups overflow with God’s blessings as we graze on the pages of God’s word and embrace its truth. Let us also embrace “bummer lambs” to share with them Jesus’ goodness this Christmas season.

Teri Brecto is a corps assistant at the Salvation Army in Albert Lea.