“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child.“ Luke 2:1-5
“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NKJV
God of love,
As I look back over this year, I see how patient You have been with me. I cannot thank You enough for the times You have restored my peace, encouraged me, and forgiven and washed me as if I had never sinned. As I look back to the year of Your birth, that first Christmas, I see Your eternal patience at bringing it to pass. And Your patience in waiting to fulfil Your promise that Jesus will come back again. At the right time.
The Christian church chose 25th December to celebrate Your birth. Whatever the date, Mary and Joseph had to be patient. A baby chooses when to be born! They must have been nervous and a little afraid? First child, a very unhygienic environment and no women to help with the birth?
We have times of waiting for something. Whether for warmer weather, a change in our circumstances, healing, appointments, deliveries? The list is endless. We praise You as we wait for You to come again, whenever that will be. Because we know the whole story. How Jesus was born at the right time, loved those who rejected Him, loved those not born yet and went to the cross for our sin. Help us to daily to wait patiently on Your timing and trust You every step of the way.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of patience,
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 to get a stable good Government, all areas of conflict in the Middle East to know peace.
For those planning or making journeys for Christmas to see family or friends.
For those waiting for hospital and doctors appointments or results.
For us to know Your patience. Patience – that strengthens our hearts and enables us to stop and count our blessings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 20th December 2024
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Repeat
Reuben Morgan
CD: By Your Side, Hillsong Music Australia.
(Isaiah 40:31) “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint..”