A German Shepherd’s Mark Can Be Substantial
Serendipitously, after our 5-year-old German Shepherd, Axel, succumbed to cancer at Halloween, a beautiful rescue German Shepherd appeared on my social media feed. He was “in desperate need of a forever home,” as his foster family could no longer care for him due to an illness.
This happened just as Mitzi, our Shepherd/Husky/Demon mix, was refusing to eat or play. Axel’s absence had left her grieving, and after two weeks of her hunger strike, the advice was clear: “Get another dog.”
Enter Fritz—sweet boy with a head the size of a pony. He and Mitzi became fast friends. After a quick check and a thumbs-up from our amazing vet, Fritz began settling into our home and, naturally, claiming it as his own.
He also claimed our Christmas decorations, several pairs of socks, a few rugs, and a basket.
(Axel once ate Tom’s wallet—literally ate it! Thankfully, Fritz hasn’t ventured there… yet.)
But without a doubt, Fritz has left his mark.
We do not have to be of the canine world to leave a mark. We all leave one! An impression on the world and all within it.
In Home Alone, the thieves are known as the “Wet Bandits,” thanks to their signature of leaving water running in every home they robbed. They were determined to have an identifying mark, something that made their actions unmistakable.
Their mark was a symbol of their evil and harm towards others.
But what if our “mark” didn’t stem from a place of darkness?
What if our mark isn’t one of ego, pride, or greed?
What if our mark originates from being deeply impacted and transformed by the Christmas story?
When we let the birth of Christ shape us, we leave behind something far greater than chewed rugs or destroyed wallets.
Jesus’ birth is the ultimate story of love, humility, and hope breaking into a broken world. If we allow ourselves to be transformed by that story, we begin to leave behind marks of indelible goodness and grace.
Consider the shepherds: They left the stable proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:17-18). The magi, after encountering Christ, left behind their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These “marks” of worship and testimony have echoed throughout history.
What about us? What mark are we leaving as a result of encountering Christ?
How about our Relationships . . .
Are we known for love and forgiveness, or do we leave behind a trail of bitterness?
Christ’s birth invites us to reflect His love to others, making our relationships a source of healing rather than hurt.
Or Our Generosity . . . Do we give freely, knowing that God gave us God’s greatest gift in Jesus? The Christmas story compels us to share all that we have – our ideas, our skills, our financial resources, our love.
Or Our Faithfulness . . .
Are we living in a way that points others to the light of Christ or repels them?
The marks we leave should be a testament to the light that dwells within.
The truth is, we’re all leaving a mark, whether we realize it or not. May our mark be one that points others to the One whose birth changed everything.
Reflection Questions:
- What mark are you leaving in your relationships, work, or community?
- How has the Christmas story shaped the way you live and love?
- What practical steps can you take to leave a lasting impression of Christ’s love this season?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, whose birth left an eternal mark on the world. Help us to reflect Your love and grace in all we do. May our lives leave an identifying mark that points others to You. Amen.