“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
God who directs our steps,
Father, we worship You today because You fulfilled Your promises and sent a Saviour, a Messiah even if many did not, do not acknowledge Him. You chose to trust us with Your Son, regardless of the cost to Yourself. You chose to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things for You. And just as miraculous -You still do! Amazing when You know the good and the bad we are capable of.
Joseph was a normal young man. A carpenter ready to settle down and get married. Probably hoping for sons to work with him. Then suddenly trauma. His betrothed is pregnant and it was not his. Wondering about the disgrace having to tell everyone. Marriage off? Could it be done secretly? Betrayed? But he still did not want to make a public spectacle of her. Then You sent an angelic explanation. He did not respond like Zachariah and question the angel – he just got up and got on with it!
Father, help us to be like Joseph to wait, sleep on decisions to give You time to speak into our thoughts and be obedient when we hear You. Father, help us like Joseph to do the right thing even when it looks otherwise or we may be put out. Help us to learn to listen for You and do what You ask so You don’t have to ask someone else in our place.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who prompts us to do the right thing,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family. Christmas services and meals planned.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government and for peace in our nation in this season.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan and all areas of conflict in the Middle East to know a new movement to peace.
For those planning or making journeys for Christmas to see family or friends.
For calm seas and safe ferries. Flights on time and clear roads.
For those who need to be encouraged that they can hear You. To know good choices.
For those making life changing decisions to know Your leading. IN marriage, moving . . .
For us to have Your dreams, see Your hand in our lives and those we love.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Worship Thursday 19th December 2024
I walk by faith, each step by faith
To live by faith, I put my trust in You
I walk by faith, each step by faith
To live by faith, I put my trust in You
Every step I take is a step of faith
No weapon formed against me shall prosper
Every prayer I make is a prayer of faith
And if my God is for me
Who can be against me?
I put my trust in You, I put my trust in You;
I put my trust in You, I put my trust in You
I put my trust in You.I walk by faith, each step by faith
To live by faith, I put my trust in You
I walk by faith, each step by faith
To live by faith, I put my trust in You
Chris Falson