“When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men. 17 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud wailing, Rachel weeping for her children, and she did not want to be comforted, because they were gone.”” Matthew 2:16-18 NET
Omniscient (all knowing) God,
Again this year I cannot skip over these sad verses. Christmas is not a merry time for everyone. The first one was not. We worship You, our God, because You kept Jesus safe from Herod and the naivety of the wise men who did not see Herod’s jealousy. But there are so many things in the Bile that we do like or understand. Like all the babies that died when Moses was saved floating in his little basket. And all the babies around Bethlehem being killed and Jesus saved. We see the reflection of Your salvation but cannot always comprehend.
We hear in the news of children suffering in war, Military Rule and under dictatorships. Or just because they are girls. You show us that even though we like to think the world has progressed actually we have not. There are things in Your Word we would prefer not to think about. But You do not sweep evil under the carpet. Greed, jealousy, selfishness all start somewhere. Herod let them run free in his life with terrible consequences.
Help us to ensure we do nothing out of temper, malice or spite no matter how small. And deliver us from evil. Holy Spirit work in the hearts of those who are bereft of compassion. Change, remove and nullify their thoughts and any works of their hands no matter how evil they are.
Keep us faithful even though there are difficult questions. And take the little ones to be with You (Matthew 19:14).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, and those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family. Christmas services and meals planned.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government to make wise decisions for good not just profit.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan freedom from dictatorship of any kind. Middle East peace.
For wisdom for the NHS, schools and organisations that need to adapt for the future.
For charities and every person who improves a child’s life and shows Your love.
For all those who can generously support missions and charities and the widows mites.
For those who have been bereaved of a baby, child or children, young or old.
For parents, family and guardians whose children are in hospices and hospitals.
For us to be able to hold difficult questions till they can be answered in eternity.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 28th December 2024
Still true.
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
Amen. In ages past your hand sustained us
Amen. Through all that’s coming grace remains
Amen. Our roots are anchored in your goodness
Amen. Our trust is in your faithfulness
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
Lyrics: Isaac Watts