“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”” Matthew 2:1-8 NKJV
Father God,
Like the wise men we seek You. Not looking under a star for a baby but seeking our King and Saviour, here with us, now. No longer separated by our sin and Your burning holiness but forgiven and embraced by grace. (G R A C E – God’s riches at Christ’s expense).
The wise men reached Jerusalem. The natural place to look for a king historically. Then King Herod secretly sent for them! Sneaky. He was overly helpful. Oh and pop in on the way home so I can then go and worship the new king. Nice man? No he was working in darkness and secrets. They were being deceived, but You revealed the truth and the lies.
Herod did not stop them fulfilling their destiny – they found Jesus, delivered their gifts, bowed down and worshipped Jesus and went home. People can let us down, share their negativity or dishearten us. They may confuse us, lie and mock our faith but, they cannot dishearten or defeat us, if we fix our eyes on You in Jesus.
God, help us be still and keep our eyes fixed on You. Show us any deception, disappointment or doubt in our hearts or lives. Helps us bow down worship in the light of Your glory and grace.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. We pray for signs of Your love to meet their needs..
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Hearts be open to receive You.
For all those trying to follow You amid disbelief and negativity from family.
For our Government, that it might open and honest and shine Your light on any deception or lies.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families at this busy time.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Shine light in Putin’s heart.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For leaders, insecure like Herod who are cruel. Bless them with compassion and kindness.
For all those who deliver help and aid, large or small, here or overseas.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those making journeys to be with family at this season. And those who will be apart.
For ourselves, shine the light of Your love in our day today and help us daily, like the Kings, to give You our worship and praise and thanksgiving.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 16th December 2023
This is one of my rainy day, cold, wintery day songs. It lifts me back up when life is damp and chilly. A very personal worship song to God while cradled in His arms . . .
Sometimes fear will grip my heart just thinking what lies ahead
Depression soon moves in on me
Drives me to my bed
Who will rescue this heart of mine
And keep me from falling apart
Relief always come shinning through
From the keeper of my heart.
Keeper of my heart, I will rest in you
Securely cradled in your arms
I can make it through
The storm clouds gather over me
And my world seems so dark
And I will find my rest in you
The keeper of my heart.
Sometimes I can lose my way with dark clouds over me
And the light that once seemed so bright, now I cant see
Gentle arms surround my soul
Causing the storm clouds to part
Darkness soon gives way to the light
From the keeper of my heart.
Keeper of my heart, I will rest in you
Securely cradled in your arms
I can make it through
The storm clouds gather over me
And my world seems so dark
And I will find my rest in you
The keeper of my heart.
Yes I will find my rest in you, the keeper of my heart.
Jim Rice
CD: Brush Arbor, The Way the River Runs, Benson Music.