“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 life and death,
Today we are coming into the last week before Christmas. Adverts are trying to get us to buy food, presents and things we do not really need, but look scrumptious. And the need to get the right gift to make someone really happy. But it is transient. Your joy remains after the tinsel! And we see the Kings bought essential gifts for Jesus, Your gift who would give His all for us.
Myrrh, the third gift. Odd gift for a baby King. A beautiful aromatic resin. Usually kept to use to prepare bodies for burial. In John 12:27 in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus says, “Now my soul is greatly distressed. And what should I say? ‘Father, deliver me from this hour. No, but for this very reason I have come to this hour.” A prophetic gift. Were it not for Jesus death, His birth would have had no significance.
We are all born to die even if we prefer not to dwell on it! In Christ we receive more than incense for our death, we receive anointing for new and eternal life. The promise that we will awaken to eternal life with You and all those Christians who have gone before us. There will be no evil, there will be no more pain – just joy, fellowship, singing and the light and glory of You, Lord. You are our present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) and our help and salvation to come (Psalm 23:4).
In Jesus Christ, the risen one, we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of life, we pray . . .
For all our family, friends and neighbours. They are as precious as gold to us, bless them with all they need and open to Your love.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. All hearts will be open to see and receive Your gift of life.
For our Government, that You might be in the confusion, disagreement and bring about a new 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. Regardless of men.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Change Putin’s heart..
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For those in N. Queensland, Australia flooded out. Blow the clouds away. Send relief and help.
For wise men to with wisdom to speak and direct in areas of power, and national control.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those travelling to be with family before and during this season. Safe journeys.
For ourselves, amidst the uncertainty in the world, contentment and peace. As we smell the aromas of Christmas in mince pies etc to have thanksgiving in our heart for Your coming.
In Jesus life giving name we pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 19th December 2023
Astronomers, wise men, kings, all three? Still a great carol. Alleluia!
We three kings of orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountains
Following yonder star
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising
Voices raising
Worship Him, God most high
Myrrh is mine
It’s bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Heaven sings ‘Alleluia’
‘Alleluia’ the earth replies
Lyrics: John Henry Hopkins Jnr