“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. 2 This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone went to his own town to be registered. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.“ Luke 2:1-7
“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NKJV
God of love,
You are so patient. We cannot thank You enough for the times You have forgiven us, restored us back to peace and as if we had never sinned. We worship Your patience in bringing that first Christmas to pass. Your patience at waiting to fulfil Your promise of Jesus final return.
We cannot know if it was 25th December You were born but its our chosen date to celebrate and brightens up the middle of winter! Two sleeps to go . . . Mary and Joseph had registered for tax but had to wait, knowing the birth was any day now. Waiting. Patiently? I suspect Joseph was nervous and a little afraid. I suspect Mary was more nervous and afraid. Even though she knew it was ordained by God it was still childbirth. She young woman and far from home and family.
God, we are all waiting for something. Whether appointments, visiting family, Christmas dinner, visiting family or friends. For a long night to be over. For the start another new year. Start a new job. Retire. Take a holiday. Or for next years light nights and warm dry weather.
God help us to wait in all these circumstances and not under them. You are with us working things for good. We pray for patience (long suffering), the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). It’s hard sometimes. It is easier to look down, poor me, than up into the light of Your face. Strengthen our hearts when we need to wait.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of patience,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For our and the many churches preparing carol services for those who will come at this season.
For all the ordinary people doing kind, generous and extra ordinary things for You.
For our Government, Lords and commoners to be willing to stand for what is right and righteous.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
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 determination from oppression to peace.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
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 those who have had difficult or bad news at this time to be held in Your arms of love.
For ourselves, that we would wait for all You have planned to give us for good in the coming year.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 23rd December 2023
Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
I will rise on eagle’s wings, I will rise on eagle’s wings
I will rise on eagle’s wings, I will rise on eagle’s wings
I will rise on eagle’s wings, I will rise on eagle’s wings
On eagle’s wings
Reuben Morgan
CD: By Your Side, Hillsong Music Australia.
(Isaiah 40:31) “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”