Monday 18th December 2023

“ When they (the wise men) saw the star they shouted joyfully.11 As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10,11 NET

God of all,

We bow down and worship You. We find it difficult to bow down sometimes because we are self conscious, have pride or dodgy knees! But we have nothing to be proud about before You. You know our weaknesses. Yet You sent Jesus. So we bow our hearts in worship and our mouths joyfully thank You in praise. For sins forgiven, a conscience cleansed, death defeated and a life without end.

Frankincense, the second gift. An aromatic balm used to make incense , a gift used on the altar of deities. The wise men brought this balm to make a sweet smelling incense for a divine King. God, help us to be as frankincense to the world.. “For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing – to the latter an odour from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life”. (2 Corinthians 2:15,16). May the aroma of Christ be in us and all we do. And may it point to You.

Meanwhile, Herod was seeking to destroy Jesus. Just like today, some worship You, others are seeking to destroy you by invalidating or refuting You or promoting science as their God. You can work miracles even in the hearts of disbelievers. Saul became Paul on the Damascus Road! No-one is beyond Your touch of love. Keep us sharing our faith in You, so You can change hearts, one at a time, through Your Son.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of all,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. They are as precious as gold to us, bless them and keep them safe and open to Your love.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Hearts be open to receive You.
For all those trying to follow You amid disbelief and negativity from family.
For our Government, that it might open and honest and focus on serving the people of this nation,
For King Charles, the Queen and their families at this busy time.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Send Putin dreams of peace and signs to show the way.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For leaders, insecure like Herod and cruel, Bless them with the gift of compassion and kindness.
For all those who deliver help and aid, large or small.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those who work to provide water, sanitation and agriculture to places where there is none.
For ourselves, amidst the uncertainty in the world, we put our trust in You. Thank You for he balm of You love, which restores our souls and heals our wounds and all those small blessing we take for granted.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 18th December 2023

Meekness and majesty manhood and deity
In perfect harmony the Man who is God
Lord of eternity dwells in humanity
Kneels in humility and washes our feet

O what a mystery meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God
This is your God

Father’s pure radiance perfect in innocence
Yet learns obedience to death on a cross
Suffering to give us life
Conquering through sacrifice
And as they crucify prays Father forgive

O what a mystery meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God
This is your God

Wisdom unsearchable God the invisible
Love indestructible in frailty appears
Lord of infinity stooping so tenderly
Lifts our humanity to the heights of His throne

O what a mystery meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God
This is your God
This is your God

Lyrics: Graham Kendrick

Sunday 17th December 2023

“ When they (the wise men) saw the star they shouted joyfully.11 As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10,11 NET

Lord God, Saviour, Spirit of life,

The third Sunday in advent. A preview. Today we shout joyfully to You. Not because we need to get Your attention. But because we have it. Not just Your attention but You gave Your love. We are wanted, we are chosen we belong.

Before they set off the wise men decided what offerings to bring. Did they decide on three gifts together? We don’t know there were three of them! Or did three turn up with something exquisite, expensive and exactly what was needed? All we do know is what they brought was what You needed, then and in Your future. But first, first, they brought their worship. Then gifts. Help us keep our priorities right. Gifts are merely giving You back some of what You have provided us.

Gold. A gift for a King. The wise men must have wondered at the humble baby with this young couple, not even in a guest room. But the star led them there, the scriptures confirmed Bethlehem so they bowed down and worshipped.

Spiritual and practical. Gold was a gift worthy of a King and also the funds to ensure this young family was provided for. Little did the wise men they know the family would soon be refugees in Egypt! 1 Peter 1:7-9 says our faith is more precious than gold. “Gold that is tested by fire, that will bring praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. We do not see him now but we believe and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,  because we are attaining the goal of our faith the salvation of our souls.“

Yes, we can bring our worship, ourselves, our faith (more precious than gold), and shout joyfully because the King accepts us just as we are, and He treasures us more than His own life.

In Jesus name, we give thanks, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. They are as precious as gold to us, bless them and keep them safe and open to Your love.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Hearts be open to receive You.
For all those trying to follow You amid disbelief and negativity from family.
For our Government, that it might open and honest and focus on serving the people of this nation,
For King Charles, the Queen and their families at this busy time.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Send Putin dreams of peace and sings to show the way.
For refugees from these areas and other places where it is dangerous to live.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who deliver help and provide aid, whether large or small. Tents, medical help, food.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those making journeys to be with family at this season. And those who will be apart.
For those with mental health problems and grief and who find this season difficult.
For ourselves, as we enjoy traditional and new carols. Keep us singing in our hearts today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 17th December 2023
Further details of when, why and how he wrote the song follow the words below. Noel relates how he came to write the song below.

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
Forever 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 and music: Noel Richards

“This was the second congregational worship song that I ever wrote, back in early 1985. I was at home one evening, taking care of our son, while Tricia was out. I was sitting playing my guitar when the melody popped into my head. As always, the tune inspired the lyrics and the song was finished by the time Tricia got home. I was not convinced that the song would work so a few weeks later, played it to my good friend Ishmael (Ian Smale). He told me that the lyrics were a bit twee, cliched and needed some tweaking. After looking at how the song could be improved, we both concluded that it worked just the way it was, so I did not make any changes. I never imagined that the song would become so popular in the UK and further afield. More than 30 years later, this song remains a favourite for so many people and we are still performing it at all our concerts.”






Saturday 16th December 2023

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”” Matthew 2:1-8 NKJV

Father God,

Like the wise men we seek You. Not looking under a star for a baby but seeking our King and Saviour, here with us, now. No longer separated by our sin and Your burning holiness but forgiven and embraced by grace. (G R A C E – God’s riches at Christ’s expense).

The wise men reached Jerusalem. The natural place to look for a king historically. Then King Herod secretly sent for them! Sneaky. He was overly helpful. Oh and pop in on the way home so I can then go and worship the new king. Nice man? No he was working in darkness and secrets. They were being deceived, but You revealed the truth and the lies.

Herod did not stop them fulfilling their destiny – they found Jesus, delivered their gifts, bowed down and worshipped Jesus and went home. People can let us down, share their negativity or dishearten us. They may confuse us, lie and mock our faith but, they cannot dishearten or defeat us, if we fix our eyes on You in Jesus.

God, help us be still and keep our eyes fixed on You. Show us any deception, disappointment or doubt in our hearts or lives. Helps us bow down worship in the light of Your glory and grace.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. We pray for signs of Your love to meet their needs..
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Hearts be open to receive You.
For all those trying to follow You amid disbelief and negativity from family.
For our Government, that it might open and honest and shine Your light on any deception or lies.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families at this busy time.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Shine light in Putin’s heart.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For leaders, insecure like Herod who are cruel. Bless them with compassion and kindness.
For all those who deliver help and aid, large or small, here or overseas.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those making journeys to be with family at this season. And those who will be apart.
For ourselves, shine the light of Your love in our day today and help us daily, like the Kings, to give You our worship and praise and thanksgiving.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 16th December 2023
This is one of my rainy day, cold, wintery day songs. It lifts me back up when life is damp and chilly. A very personal worship song to God while cradled in His arms . . .

Keeper of my heart

Sometimes fear will grip my heart just thinking what lies ahead
Depression soon moves in on me
Drives me to my bed
Who will rescue this heart of mine
And keep me from falling apart
Relief always come shinning through
From the keeper of my heart.

Keeper of my heart, I will rest in you
Securely cradled in your arms
I can make it through
The storm clouds gather over me
And my world seems so dark
And I will find my rest in you
The keeper of my heart.

Sometimes I can lose my way with dark clouds over me
And the light that once seemed so bright, now I cant see
Gentle arms surround my soul
Causing the storm clouds to part
Darkness soon gives way to the light
From the keeper of my heart.

Keeper of my heart, I will rest in you
Securely cradled in your arms
I can make it through
The storm clouds gather over me
And my world seems so dark
And I will find my rest in you
The keeper of my heart.

Yes I will find my rest in you, the keeper of my heart.

Jim Rice
CD: Brush Arbor, The Way the River Runs, Benson Music.