1 Samuel 17:15, 20, 23b
“…David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem…Early in the morning David left the flock with a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed.  He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions…Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it.”

Luke 2:11
“’Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’”

Isaiah 19:20b
“When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.”

Saviour of all, you are our provider and protector.

Out of Bethlehem you drew a boy-warrior to fight the persecutor.  He pointed the way to a greater champion and defender of our souls, the child of whom the angels sang.

Thank you that we do not need to fear the battle, as it has already been won on our behalf.  Bring us to a place of trust in the humble Shepherd so that we call out your name with pride and put the skeptics to shame.

By our alliance with Christ the Lord, who challenged the Accusor and fought as our representative, we raise our hearts to you.

Listen to ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ by Sojourn