“Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:41-52
God of 2023,
Tonight we will see out the old year and see in a new one. Some people will try to make resolutions to drastically change. We come to seek You because we know that trying harder is not the answer. We need to come to You daily, simply asking You to refine our hearts and direct our paths.
Thank you for giving us this glimpse in the Bible of how Jesus just like us, had to grow up. He did not suddenly becoming the wonder working Jesus – healing the sick, discipling fishermen, confronting hypocrisy and facing corrupt rulers. He grew daily in wisdom and stature. Help us grow daily.
You know our faults, failings and weakness. And we want to be more like Jesus and grow daily in wisdom and stature. Holy Spirit, help us grow at our own speed and retain Your wisdom. Thank you for the times You gently correct and guide us.
Thank You that it is not a matter of trying harder and harder and harder . . . and beating ourselves up when we fail. We choose Your way and accept Your forgiveness for our imperfections as we grow. We look forward to a year with You and all it holds. May Your favour rest on us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of 2024,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families. Our nation.
For all areas where there is war and oppression to have peace and a new way forward. For Gaza and the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea.
For refugees everywhere. Those who have been in camps for years. Those becoming refugees from danger, war and oppression. Those who are refugees from abusive relationships and slavery here.
For Your church that spreads the Good News and its hand of help to those who need it all around the world.
For children in countries where they are not valued and are used and abused. For change to come. For miracles and help for those that seek to help and care for them.
For ourselves, that we would give thanks and remember the good things of 2023 and trust in You for 2024.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 31st December 2023
This worship says it all for me.
Empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing
Nothing of my own
Then he filled my life
To overflowing (overflowing)
Oh how I wanted
To be godly
All the things I planned
That I would do for good
But my life was so full
With plans of my own
That I couldn’t see
The gifts he had for me
Empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing (I had nothing of my own)
Nothing of my own (until he filled my life)
Then he filled my life
To overflowing
Dadada dadadada
He lived among us
And never owned much
And he laid aside his life
To God’s will
And all we ever put in his hands
Was the cross he bore and the nails that tore
I’m empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing
Nothing of my own
Then he filled my life
To overflowing
Yes empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing
Nothing of my own
Then he filled my life
To overflowing
Oh yes he fill your life to overflowing
John Pantry
CD: John Pantry, The Best of John Pantry, ICC.