One of the telltale signs that we’re on the path to wandering away from God is when we lose our connection to the local Church. Like sheep in a herd, the more closely we walk with others, the less likely we are to run astray. God’s design is for us to be in community not only for our own benefit, but for the benefit of the other “sheep” in the fold.

Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth, but in a way, it’s also a reminder of His sacrifice. Just as He was wrapped up in swaddling clothes as a baby when He was first declared the Messiah, He was later wrapped and buried after His death — a death He died all so that we could have eternal life. God offers us the gift of salvation, wrapped up in His Son — and all we have to do is reach out and receive it.

We’re all like sheep — in need of a Shepherd to lead us and to care for us. And just like sheep, the more closely we walk with the Shepherd, the more clearly we hear His voice. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and even those who live in rebellion away from God still have every opportunity to repent, turn from their wandering, and come to Him.

As Christians, we, the sheep, are all followers of Jesus, our Shepherd. When we’re involved with a family of believers and submit to the leadership within the Church, it allows us to be protected from the wolves of this world. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but there’s safety in numbers as the Body of Christ.