“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’” Jeremiah 33:14-16
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28
Lord of the past, present and future,
Advent – starts next Sunday as we also break into December. Though the Santa Clause season has started already in gardens! And the TV has endless Christmas movies on the film channels! We know that Christmas is more than a feel good factor. It is heaven breaking in to human history. It is the fulfilment of Your many promises to send a Saviour. And it gives us the faith to trust You will keep those of Your promises not yet fulfilled. You will come again.
The first time You came was humbly to be among us, one of us and serve us. To show the depth of Your love in dying for our sin. Death could not hold You. And now seated at God’s right hand, You are able to be with us by Your Holy Spirit. And You speak into every generation. Sometimes like Noah, we think that people do not want to know about Jesus the Saviour. But some do! The church, unlike the locked up boat of Noah, is taking people on board to safety every day.
When You come back again it will be different. It will be with power and glory. We do not know when. We have seen a global pandemic, natural disasters, wars, famine, evil. The wold is suffering from our sin, in the environment, politics and economically. But we do not know when You will return. So help us walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15). Knowing we have a future secure in You if we are faithful.
In Jesus name, Amen.
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their many individual needs and hopes. Keep them from evil and open their eyes to good.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. May You keep them safe in You and from all harm and evil.
For our Government, that You would root out any evil, selfish intentions and bless each person with clean sight for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and their family. Healing for any broken relationships and forgiveness.
For Iceland where the land is unsettled and dangerous.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord continue the pause and the sending of aid and release of hostages.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those with evil intentions to harm, murder or hurt. Thwart their intentions, convict them of sin and show a better way forward.
For all those who need to know they are loved with an everlasting, unfailing love today.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. For all the blessings today holds. Giving thanks for the coming of Jesus and that He is coming back again and our names are written in heaven.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 28th November 2023
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Joy to those who long to see Thee
Day-spring from on high, appear.
Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse,
Of Thy birth, we long to hear!
O’er the hills the angels singing
News, glad tidings of a birth;
“Go to Him your praises bringing
Christ the Lord has come to earth!”
Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end.
By His life He brings us gladness,
Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne