“When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the Sovereign God. Walk before me and be blameless.2 Then I will confirm my covenant between me and you, and I will give you a multitude of descendants.”” Genesis 17:1,2
“Then Abraham bowed down with his face to the ground and laughed as he said to himself, “Can a son be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” 18 Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live before you!” Genesis 17:17,18
“Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.“ Genesis 18:18
Father,
Its cold, wet, we have had snow and the days are short. But we look to You and worship. Light of our life. Our awesome, mighty God. Beyond our understanding. Great in power and majesty. And we can smile when we consider what You made on earth. New born babies, Hyenas, centipedes, snowflakes, oak trees, rhinoceroses, bluebells, flies! Flu germs may have come with the fall . . . but we will think about how infectious a smile is!
Here in the book of Genesis, Abram’s name meant ‘exalted father’. Embarrassing for a childless 99 year old man! You renamed him ‘Abraham’, which means “father of many”. More embarrassing but to reinforce Your promise of a son through Sarah. Abraham and Sarah laughed on several occasions at the promise, till it came true.
Just one of the miracles in Jesus earthly family line and ancestry. You kept Your word and Isaac was born. (Luke 3:23-37) Fulfilling the promise that one day all nations would be blessed through Abraham. All nations (us) not just Abrahams nation.
We smile and laugh with Sarah at her getting pregnant at her age. We are filled with wonder, awe and joy at the virgin Mary giving birth to Your Son. Through Jesus You smile upon us. Make that smile infectious. Fill us with joy as we approach the celebration of Your coming to earth this Christmas.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father who gives laughter,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their many individual needs and hopes. We pray the true meaning of Christmas will make then smile and know they are loved.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services that visitors will attend. May the joy of the season inspire them to learn more about You.
For those who turn to Your prayer in times of need – help them to meet with You through it.
For our Government, for the country to come first. The King, Queen and their family and a coming together to celebrate.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a new miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who delivering help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or just severe poverty, and the smile that shows someone cares.
For all those who give time to help others, prayers to support others, gifts to bless others.
For ourselves, we pray Your joy will keep us smiling and we will share our smiles with others. Thank You that Your joy is priceless and free.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship 7th December 2023
Hope you have and it makes you smile . . .
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay
I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay
I’ve got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer
Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)
Down in the depths of my heart (where?)
Down in the depths of my heart
I’ve got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer
Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)
Down in the depths of my heart to stay
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay
George Willis Cooke
CD: The Bambinis, Religious Songs for Kids,