“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,
Uzziah. When I remember Uzziah I think of him in the year he died! Because that was when Isaiah had his amazing, life changing vision! Isaiah had a vision of You (and did not die), sitting on Your throne, Your train of glory filled the Temple. Six winged angels calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” (Isaiah 6:1-3). How could we ever think You small enough to fill a church building when only the end of your glory fit in! It was vision the size of the skies . . .
Seven hundred years later shepherds would see angels praising You in the skies above the fields where they were watching their flocks. Not in the Temple but out in the fields. Not far off but near enough to see and hear them clearly. Not in Jerusalem but in Bethlehem, Your birthplace. (Luke 2:13-14).
Today we still look up sometimes when we pray. To remind ourselves You are bigger than the universe? Seeing angels might be both frightening and amazing! But more awesome and more amazing is knowing that by Your Holy Spirit You are everywhere and even right here in our hearts. We may not hear angels but we can join them in worshipping You. And we glimpse Your glory, the glory Isaiah speaks about, in the faces of Your faithful people. Keep us shining with Your glorious love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of advent,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
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 those who have faith in You working there as MP’s, and as staff..
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East for the ongoing complications and vengeance. to end.
For the church to have a vision for serving in the future and for revival to come.
For those who live in darkness with mental health to know Your healing glory.
For our neighbourhood and neighbours to know the King this Christmas.
For us to be thankful for today, help us to look to You and see all the good in our lives.
In Jesus name we pray.
Worship Saturday 7th December 2024
You laid aside Your majesty
Gave up everything for me,
Suffered at the hands of those You had created.
You took all my guilt and shame,
When You died and rose again;
Now today You reign,
In heaven and earth exalted.
I really want to worship You, my Lord,
You have won my heart
And I am Yours for ever and ever;
I will love You.
You are the only one who died for me,
Gave Your life to set me free,
So I lift my voice to You in adoration.
Lyrics: Noel Richards