One morning, while going through a difficult time in my life, I woke up with this song on my mind:

His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He is the mighty King, Master of everything, His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He's the Great Shepherd, The Rock of all ages, Almighty God is He. Bow down before Him, Love and adore Him, His name is wonderful, Jesus my Lord.

As I prayed quietly, I asked God, why this song when things weren’t really very wonderful? Then I read the following: 'Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back (“cast down”), it is very difficult for them to get back up again. If not helped back up, they will eventually suffocate. When a shepherd restores a cast down sheep, he reassures it, massages its legs to restore circulation, gently turns the sheep over, lifts it up, and holds it so it can regain its equilibrium.

What a picture of what God wants to do for us! When we are on our backs, flailing because of guilt, grief, or grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His grace, lifts us up, and holds us until we’ve gained our spiritual equilibrium.' (Our Daily Bread; Marvin Williams; August 28, 2009)

The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His Name. Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT)

O God, You are Wonderful!! As we celebrate Christmas, help us remember your royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Amen.