“Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.” Matthew 1:17
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Saviour. Jeremiah 23:5,6
Lord God,
You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah. There is none like You. We cannot think or imagine big enough, to be able to see You as You really are! Sometimes we forget how righteous, powerful and unapproachable in holiness You are. Christmas shows us how far You went to reach us in person. You drew near to us to deal with our sin. Amazing grace.
Down the generations You prepared for your Son’s birthday. No rush, gently leading Your stubborn people, revealing more of Yourself, promising and preparing. Thank You for all those wonderful glimpses of Your glory and Jesus in the Old Testament.
David was not just a harp playing, superhero, sling shot giant killer. He was an adulterer and organised her husbands death! Nathan, at Your command, faced him with his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-13). David immediately repented but had to live with the consequences. Yet You still used Him. You choose to use us, cracked pots, imperfect jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from You and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7).
We look forward to celebrating Your coming birthday and Your next coming, not as a baby, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 19:11-16). Then there will be no doubting who You are! Help us worship You as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the forgiver of our sin. Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the Glory for ever and ever.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. That they would know Your help in their lives just where they need it..
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Pray seeds of faith will be sown and take root. There would be joyful services.
For our Government, stir up hearts to serve You so the good of the country comes first. Send some Nathans to speak out against wrong.
That the truth about what happened during Covid might be learned from not just talk.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families and steps towards reconciliation with Harry even though it looks impossible..
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. So destruction can stop.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, and soon. Change Russia’s outlook and situation.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who deliver help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or poverty.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling. Christmas presents where they may not be any.
For those who misuse their power over family or victims or over nations as dictators. Bend them to Your will.
For those who are planning to do good, help others and be charitable.
For ourselves, that we may enjoy today, be content and know Your love and friendship.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 12th December 2023
All my days I will sing this song of gladness
Give my praise to the fountain of delights
For in my helplessness, you heard my cry
And waves of mercy poured down on my life
I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer
I will sing of the lamb that never fails
Of sins forgiven, of conscience cleared
Of death defeated and life without end
Beautiful Savior, wonderful counsellor
Clothed in majesty, Lord of history
You’re the way, the truth and the life
Star of the morning, glorious in holiness
You’re the risen one, heaven’s champion
And you reign, you reign over all
I long to be where the praise is never ending
Yearn to Dwell where the glory never fades
Where countless worshippers will share one song
And cries of ‘worthy’ will honour the Lamb!
Stuart Townend
CD: Beautiful Saviour, Live Worship from Stoneleigh International Bible Week 1998, Kingsway Music.