“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and Abraham” . . .
“Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). 7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah. Abijah was the father of Asa. 8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram.” Jehoram was the father of Uzziah.” Matthew 1:1 and 1:6-8 NLT
God of advent (arrival),
Bethlehem, You chose it to be such a special birthplace. Where Jesse lived and David was born. Jesse who forgot his youngest son when Samuel came to visit secretly to anoint a king. But we are never out of sight or out of mind with You. David who sinned. His first child born in Bethlehem with Bathsheba died. David who suffered. Who repented and saw the extent of Your mercy. Whose next son with Bathsheba, Solomon, also became part of Jesus family tree.
Jesus, born in Bethlehem, who would grow from childhood in Your perfect wisdom and grace (Luke 2:40). Solomon is remembered too for his prayer for wisdom. You, God showed Your pleasure at his request. It was the one selfless gift he needed to rule for others not himself. As the story of the real mother of the two women who had babies and one died, relates. She had every reason to be grateful for Solomon’s answer for wisdom (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Sadly, Solomon’s son did not take wise counsel and the Kingdom split in two, Israel and Judah! Judah trying to follow You and Israel going its own way. Just as today there are those who follow Jesus and those who go there own way. You give us the choice to invite You into our lives and if we are wise follow You. You have proven Yourself true and faithful. Give us wisdom in Jesus to make good decisions.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of advent,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
Thank You for our forefathers and those to come in our family.
For our Christian family and the plans for Christmas in our churches to draw in new people.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government and wise judgements for the future and the present.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing complications and vengeance. to end.
For France and their political situation.
Wisdom for those working to improve and help the NHS develop and catch up.
For those adopting or fostering children who need to be loved, and know love.
For our neighbourhood and neighbours to know the King this Christmas.
For us to seek Your wisdom daily and know what You want us to do and what we cannot.
In Jesus name we pray.
Worship Friday 6th December 2024
This is one of those worship hymns I can listen to every day! I even love the intro.
Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve,
pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free.
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change,
washes away the stains that once covered me.
And all that I have I lay at the feet
of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.
Wonderful love that held in the face of death,
breathed in its final breath forgiveness for me.
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
giving us life again setting us free.
Lyrics: John Pantry