“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLY
“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT
God of Truth,
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is possibly his last letter, and I wonder if Timothy made that requested visit to Paul? The letter was written to encourage and challenge Timothy to continue strong in his faith, regardless of any suffering and hardship. The letter also reminds Timothy to keep his faith and put all his hope in Jesus’ resurrection.
For me Paul’s talk of end times speaks to many generations and again to ours. Sin has not changed. It has always been about money, power and sex. All can be used for good but equally and seemingly often seem to be used for self and evil. We too need encouragement to continue in our faith and to and to encourage those younger than ourselves to know and trust You regardless of troubles.
In looking into Your Word we see the thread of Your plan, Your provision and Your certain promises. In moving through the whole Bible this year I have seen the blood line from Adam to Jesus and the Your blood line from eternity to Jesus to eternity. All scripture. It all fits together and will come together in Your time. It is amazing Lord God. Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for those who left their testimonies to encourage us. There will be a resurrection and we will be part of it. The unknown is always a little scary but You will be there, our hope, our peace,our rescuer.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 22nd December 2025
I read that this is a seriously theological carol. So I stopped to really read the lyrics I have sung many, many times. And it is! And I am sure Paul and Timothy would have approved of the lyrics.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail the incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”
Lyrics: Charles Wesley (George Whitfield alterations)
“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” was written by the great English hymn writer Charles Wesley in 1739. The original opening was ‘Hark, how all the welkin [heavens] rings, Glory to the King of Kings.’ This was changed by Wesley’s co-worker George Whitefield to the version we have now.