“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).” Matthew 1:1-3 NL
Lord God Almighty,
When we are pessimistic we hate the dark nights – being optimistic we can look forward to the 20th of this month when the day light starts to get longer again! But don’t we love to talk about the weather . . . Matthew wanted to be sure we talk something we may pass over -the record of Jesus ancestors. To look at their stories and see the pessimistic and the optimistic. To be warned and encouraged in our faith and delighted by Your provision. Love personified in a new born baby.
Isaac was the father of Esau and Jacob, two beautiful twin babies. But they did not grow up in a loving close family! And favouritism. Children using parents against each other. Sibling rivalry . . . Born so close together that Jacob was holding Esau’s heel. Then there was Tamar who was actually Judah’s daughter in law. But that’s another episode . . . optimistically we earn that You are committed to Your family through it all. You are faithful and always available.
Jesus much later posed the question about two sons a Father asked to go work in the vineyard. One son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went. The other son said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t (Matthew 21:28-31).You know us in our optimism and pessimism. In our obedience and our disobedience. You know the real us. And You, our Father still love us. Thank You. Give us opportunities to grow and learn, see You at work with and in us. Give us a glimpse of Your glory this coming advent season.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God Almighty,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family and the plans for Christmas in our churches to draw in new people.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government and wise judgements.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East to ceasefire and find an end to the conflicts.
For all those we hear about in the news affected by murder and violence. Those living in fear.
For families health in our neighbourhood that they hear the gospel this season.
For us to know we are loved not just through Your world but by Your indwelling Spirit. To find opportunities to tell those we love that we do.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 2nd December 2024
May God’s love never cease to amaze us.
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how he could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be;
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Saviour’s love for me!
He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them his very own;
He bore the burden to Calv’ry,
And suffered and died alone.
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
‘Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of his love for me.
Lyrics: Chas H Gabriel