“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
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NKJV
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Timothy 2:5-7 NKJV
God who ransomed us,
As we approach the celebration of Your birthday on Saturday, we are amazed, astonished and absolutely dumbfounded. Lord of Creation, Lord of History and time, Lord of all power and majesty. The God who we cannot fully comprehend or imagine, who sent Your only Son to a tiny planet in a tiny part of the universe inhabited by a rebellious disobedient people. At a particular unstable time in history. Knowing men would kill Him!
And You know our disobedience well. From Adam and Eve, people have been selfish and disobeyed. We say we would not have shouted crucify Him but would we have stepped forward as his supporters? Even Peter denied knowing Him least he got arrested too.
“The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”(Romans 6:23. Sin takes us captive and there is nothing we can do. We cannot buy our way out, be good enough, or earn our way out. No rituals will get us out. Jesus gave His pure sinless life for us and the ransom was paid in full, once and for all. We just have to humbly accept His gift of light and life.
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). Help us to open ourselves fully, to being loved by You, no arguments. Accept Your priceless forgiveness and worship You.
In Jesus loving name we pray, Amen.
God who ransomed us,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Precious as gold, bless them with all they need and Your healing love.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season.
For our Government, that You might gift them with honesty, truth and a desire to serve.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous peace. Regardless of men.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today..
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those travelling to be with family before and during this season. Safe journeys.
For ourselves, light in our hearts that twinkles with Your love. Joy in our smiles and hope without end.
In Jesus powerful name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 20th December 2023
As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold,
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, most gracious God, may we
evermore be led to thee.
As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior, to thy lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
thee whom heaven and earth adore;
so may we with willing feet
ever seek thy mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare
at thy cradle rude and bare,
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin’s alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heavenly king.
Holy Jesus, every day
keep us in the narrow way,
and, when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed souls at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds thy glory hide.
W. Chatterton Dix
CD: Choir of Selwyn College, The Complete New English Hymnal Vol 14, Priory Records.