“ When they (the wise men) saw the star they shouted joyfully.11 As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10,11 NET
God of all,
We bow down and worship You. We find it difficult to bow down sometimes because we are self conscious, have pride or dodgy knees! But we have nothing to be proud about before You. You know our weaknesses. Yet You sent Jesus. So we bow our hearts in worship and our mouths joyfully thank You in praise. For sins forgiven, a conscience cleansed, death defeated and a life without end.
Frankincense, the second gift. An aromatic balm used to make incense , a gift used on the altar of deities. The wise men brought this balm to make a sweet smelling incense for a divine King. God, help us to be as frankincense to the world.. “For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing – to the latter an odour from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life”. (2 Corinthians 2:15,16). May the aroma of Christ be in us and all we do. And may it point to You.
Meanwhile, Herod was seeking to destroy Jesus. Just like today, some worship You, others are seeking to destroy you by invalidating or refuting You or promoting science as their God. You can work miracles even in the hearts of disbelievers. Saul became Paul on the Damascus Road! No-one is beyond Your touch of love. Keep us sharing our faith in You, so You can change hearts, one at a time, through Your Son.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of all,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. They are as precious as gold to us, bless them and keep them safe and open to Your love.
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 focus on serving the people of this nation,
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. Send Putin dreams of peace and signs to show the way.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For leaders, insecure like Herod and cruel, Bless them with the gift of compassion and kindness.
For all those who deliver help and aid, large or small.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those who work to provide water, sanitation and agriculture to places where there is none.
For ourselves, amidst the uncertainty in the world, we put our trust in You. Thank You for he balm of You love, which restores our souls and heals our wounds and all those small blessing we take for granted.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 18th December 2023
Meekness and majesty manhood and deity
In perfect harmony the Man who is God
Lord of eternity dwells in humanity
Kneels in humility and washes our feet
O what a mystery meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God
This is your God
Father’s pure radiance perfect in innocence
Yet learns obedience to death on a cross
Suffering to give us life
Conquering through sacrifice
And as they crucify prays Father forgive
O what a mystery meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God
This is your God
Wisdom unsearchable God the invisible
Love indestructible in frailty appears
Lord of infinity stooping so tenderly
Lifts our humanity to the heights of His throne
O what a mystery meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God
This is your God
This is your God
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick