“Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.” Isaiah 53:1-3
Lord God, Lord of all,
The third Sunday in Advent and a prophetic snippet of a promise You would send Your servant in the flesh to grow up as a man. A man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief, and rejected.
Isaiah gives us that glimpse of Jesus to come. Not miraculously arriving as King on earth or appearing in the sky. No, being born and taking a first breath and maybe even crying, just like one of us. Like a tender shoot, vulnerable to hunger, cold, needing human comfort and love. Like a root in dry land absolutely dependant for his safety and needs on others.
And not beautiful or majestic! Just a baby and precious as all babies are. Thank You that You, God, experienced life from the very beginning exactly as we do. It doesn’t matter that the year was different. You knew childhood with its fears, challenges and delights. You could have stayed God Almighty and ruled by might from Heaven. But You chose to be our Servant Saviour and live with us as one of us. You know what it is like for us. W can ask Your Son into our hearts by Your Holy Spirit. And when we do – all heaven erupts with joy (Luke 15:7) .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God, Lord of all,
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 and its future. Protection and a way forward.
For the remaining conflict in the Middle East for vengeance to end.
For girls born into countries where they are of no value and no choices in life. Political change.
For those organising shelters and meals for Christmas. For help to extend beyond this season.
For blasphemer’s to know Your awesome presence and be challenged when they use Your Name.
For us to be able to pause from the business to ponder, worship and know You understand us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 15th December 2024
Written originally for children – but a very grown up beautiful prayer!
Jesus, good above all other,
gentle child of gentle mother,
in a stable born our brother,
give us grace to persevere.
Jesus, cradled in a manger,
for us facing every danger,
living as a homeless stranger,
make we thee our King most dear.
Jesus, for thy people dying,
risen Master, death defying,
Lord in heaven, thy grace supplying,
keep us to thy presence near.
Jesus, who our sorrows bearest,
all our thoughts and hopes thou sharest,
thou to us the truth declarest;
help us all thy truth to hear.
Lord, in all our doings guide us;
pride and hate shall ne’er divide us;
we’ll go on with thee beside us,
and with joy we’ll persevere.
Lyrics: Percy Dearmer