“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham”
. . . “Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadok.” Matthew 1:1, 1:13-14 NLT
Our Father,
The story of Jesus earthly family reaches a time when the children of Israel are in dire straits. All the leaders and movers and shakers had been exiled and taken to Babylon to serve there. They had turned away from God and God had allowed them to be taken captive. Miraculously politics changed and Zerubbabel led the first group back home to Jerusalem. With a heart for the right priorities he teamed up with Nehemiah and Ezra and helped organise the rebuilding of the Temple to restoring worship to You.
In Haggai, Zerubbabel is called the Lord’s signet ring (Haggai 2:23). A signet ring contained an emblem unique to the king. Meaning the wearer was genuine and had the authority and honour due to the king. He again gives us a glimpse ahead to when You sent Your signet ring, the Lord Jesus who was God (You) with us, and had authority to lay down his life and take it up and rise again (John 10:18).
Even the Shepherds and the wise men recognised there was something different about Mary’s son that first Christmas. And Mary treasured up all the things the shepherds said in her heart knowing that this baby was a gift from God, literally. Help us to remember that Jesus is our only way to You. The only one with authority to wash away sin and restore us. The only one who can lead us back, not to Jerusalem, but out of captivity and into Your Kingdom.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Our Father,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
Thank You for the precious people who enrich our lives.
For our Christian family. Christmas events planned for worship an to welcome new people to.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, the Commons, the house of Lords, the civil servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East for the ongoing complications and vengeance. to end.
For those in captivity in prison, change their hearts Oh Lord.
For those in captivity in refugee camps, nations under martial law, hope and freedom.
For those organising shelters and meals for Christmas. For help to extend beyond this season.
For us to know the certainty of Your complete forgiveness. Silence the doubts and shame the enemy may try to remind us of.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 12th December 2024
See him lying on a bed of straw:
a draughty stable with an open door;
Mary cradling the babe she bore
the prince of glory is his name.
O now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord of love again:
just as poor as was the stable then,
the prince of glory when he came.
Star of silver, sweep across the skies,
show where Jesus in the manger lies;
shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise
to see the saviour of the world!
O now carry me…
Angels, sing again the song you sang,
sing the glory of God’s gracious plan;
Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can
be the saviour of us all.
O now carry me…
Verse not included:
Mine are riches, from your poverty,
from your innocence, eternity;
mine, forgiveness by your death for me,
child of sorrow for my joy.