“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered 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 home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”” Matthew 1:18-21 NIV
Father God,
From the beginning Matthew’s biography of Jesus shows us clearly that Jesus comes from the nation promised to Abraham and Sarah. You, God fulfilled all Your prophesies of a great nation through their son Isaac. You fulfilled all Your promises of a Kingdom for us through Jesus. Jesus on of those descendants, one of the countless grains of sand promised to Abraham. But Matthew does what writers do, he flashes back in time to set the scene, give the details needed. To exactly 9 months earlier. when Jesus was conceived into the family by the Holy Ghost, to be born as a man.
Joseph must have been shocked that Mary was pregnant. He had an angelic dream he fully remembered! It is a step of faith, believing in the virgin birth, Your Son born to die for us and yet. . . when we do believe, Your Holy Spirit gives us such blessed assurance. When we look back we can see You at work in us and our lives. Thank You for the gift of faith that enabled Joseph to be the best husband and father he could be. Thank You for the gift of faith You give us to be the best we can be and then forgiven for our weakness and failures.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
Thank You for the precious people who enrich our lives.
For our Christian family. Christmas events planned for worship an to welcome new people to.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, the Commons, the house of Lords, the civil servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan, the Middle East for peace and the best outcomes for all.
For those organising shelters and meals for Christmas. For help to extend beyond this season.
For all those who find this time of year stressful for whatever reason. Hope, comfort and joy.
For children in orphanages around the world to know loved and security and Your love.
For us to enjoy today and even the mundane that must be done and responsibilities carried out.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 14th December 2024
Story of the author is below the lyrics and the two verses not in the video.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus says the Lord.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more.
I’m so glad I learned to trust You
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.
Lyrics: Louisa M R Stead
“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” harkens to the joy that can be found having faith in God! Although its author, Louisa M. R. Stead, experienced the terrible loss of her husband she found resolution in her relationship with God. Through the creation of this hymn, she helped many people deal with similar tragedy in their own life by encouraging them to trust in Jesus.
These are the two verses not included in the video.
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.