“When he had contemplated this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.”“ Matthew 1:20-23
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20 NIV
God with us,
Last day before Christmas day and the 4th Sunday in Advent. For some a day of carol services and trying to get everything last minute done before tomorrow. But we need to take a minute not just to do what we have to, need to or want to, but to rejoice. Not just for Your coming birthday as we have Christmas hindsight but out of sheer joy. Knowing that it marks the beginning of You, the invisible God being seen in Jesus. Displaying Your nature, Your character, Your willingness to forgive and give and give and give again. All we can do is humble ourselves, be reconciled and accept Your gift of life.
One of us, but not like us. Jesus was not selfish, did not bear grudges, did not run anyone down with sarcasm, never lied, never spoke anything but the truth, never ceased from loving You Father God and honouring You. Thank you that He came for all the world, everyone, no one is exempt. Emmanuel with all of us.
We cannot imagine a day, a minute where we cannot know and be known by You. Talk to You, petition You, thank You, trust in You, find help and indeed all we need in You. You are our all in all. Our God and King and friend.
In Jesus Name we pray and praise, Amen.
Suggested for prayer . . .
God with us,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy. Grant answers to their hopes and prayers and miracles where we need Your help.
For the many carol services today and for those who will attend because of the 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 the Ukrainians as they seek to celebrate Christmas at this time and break from the Russian tradition of it being January 6th. Send Your Holy Spirit to uplift and encourage and strengthen their faith.
For the families and friends of the students killed in the shooting in Prague.
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 last minute to be with family. 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 just enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Sunday 24th December 2023
Two worship songs today. One new and below it a traditional carol.
I am Joseph, I am Mary, I’m travelling on a journey
And I’m carrying a promise I can’t see
I am scared and I’m excited
I don’t really know what lies ahead of me
And I’m a shepherd on the hillside as common as the clothes I wear
That smell like I’ve been sleeping in a barn
The last people in this world to ever bow before a king
But here we are
And God is with us
God is for us
This is my story and this is my song
And I am Herod in the palace
That my pride can build around me
I start thinking I’m the one and only king
Trying desperately to stay upon a throne
That never did belong to me
And I am riding with the wise men
Over hills and through the darkest valleys
Fixed on the star that lights our way
Bringing all the gifts I have to give in worship
When I finally see my Savior’s face
And God is with us
And God is for us
This is my story, this is my song
And God is with us
And God is for us all
So let’s all gather at the manger
And bring all our hopes and hurts and fears
All our unworthiness and shame
Knowing every one of us is the reason that He came
And God is with us
And God is for us
This is our story, this is our song
And God is with us
And God is for us all
God is for us all
He’s for us all
Our God is for us all
He’s for us all
Our God is with us
And He’s for us all
This is my story, this is my song
Steve Curtis Chapman
CD: Steve Curtis Chapman, Joy, Sony Music.