“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-6 NKJV
“So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.” Luke 2:14-15 NKJV
“Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.” Luke 2:22-24 KJV
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11 NKJV
“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”” Matthew 2:13 NKJV
Father God,
As John explains it, Your Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus was born. It looked like the world was unprepared. Not even a spare room to be rented. Your choir only got to perform to a few random shepherds on a hillside (Luke 2:14-15 ). It looked like only one man, Simeon and one elderly lady, Anna spotted baby Jesus in the Temple at his purification ceremony (Luke 2:25-38). And it looked like the new star only appeared to be a sign to three wise men (Matthew 2:10-11).
You knew the dangers facing Jesus while he was so vulnerable so You kept Him incognito and safe and provided for him and Joseph and Mary. So they could flee to Egypt and have funds to live. And we see that it is not just the wise you would draw to yourself or just the elderly and religious, or the working population but all men and women, no-one excluded..
His early years were planned just as surely as His arrival and even though difficult, certainly for Mary and Joseph in a foreign land, we see Jesus surviving and thriving. Just as he wants us to see His hand on our lives enabling us to thrive.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 12th October 2026
There were moments filled with questions
When I could not see the way
Every dream felt far before me
Like the night would never break
But Your hand was always leading
Even when I could not tell
Through the valleys and the mountains
You were working all things well
You know tomorrow before it comes
Your love is guiding me
God’s plan is always best
Even through the storms I face
When my heart is tired and broken
I still trust Your endless grace
You are faithful through the seasons
You are with me every step
God’s plan is always best
And Your love will never end
When the road becomes uncertain
And my strength begins to fade
You remind me You are near me
And I do not have to fear
Every tear that falls in silence
Every prayer I softly pray
You are turning pain to purpose
And bringing light into my days
You hold my future in Your hands
Your promises remain
God’s plan is always best
Even through the storms I face
When my heart is tired and broken
I still trust Your endless grace
Lyrics: By God is Love.