“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” Luke 2:21
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:19-23 NIV
God of the years and the suddenly,
Suddenly it is 2024! We worship You, our God who was, who is and is yet to come (Revelation 1:8). For You a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day! (2 Peter 3:8). Because You are in and outside of time. And You never change. Great is Thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23), Your love is from everlasting to everlasting to those who fear You (Psalm 103:17). God of judgement – and mercy.
Jesus, the earthly name You told Joseph and Mary before He was born (Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:31).Derived from the Hebrew Yeshua/Y’shua, (Hebrew: ישע), meaning “to deliver; to rescue.” The Old Testament shows It took generations for deliverance to come in the person of Jesus. But it takes only a suddenly of God for Jesus to deliver a repentant heart free from sin!
It took centuries of prophecy promising a Saviour and then a suddenly for Mary to be expectant. suddenly angels in fields and suddenly a new star to guide. You suddenly sent Joseph, Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Promising not to leave them there. It did not take 40 years as with their forefathers! Suddenly it was safe to return.
Father we go through times when You seem silent and we just do what is before us. You have not left us. You speak when we need direction. Suddenly you give the next step. Help us be reassured even in the silence. To wait and still be listening. (Like the wise virgins Matthew 25:1-13). Help us to recognise when You speak suddenly and just do as You say.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer
God of the suddenly,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For all areas where there is war and oppression to have peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . . .
For refugees everywhere. Those confined in camps. Those on route from danger, war and oppression. Those who are refugees from abusive relationships and slavery even here.
For those who have had a difficult, sad or troubled year. For hope and comfort and a way forward.
For Your church and the plans for the year ahead,
For the NHS, children’s services, the emergency services and all those that keep our society safe, functioning and give help.
For ourselves, that we would worship You for Your faithfulness, Your constant provision and a new year to step into with You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 1st January 2024
God is able to send the suddenly’s, do powerful miracles and yet be gentle and love. God is not asleep or Christmas past – He is.
The suddenly of God
A sound from heaven
The government of God
Coming to earth
A holy tornado
Extraordinary power
Like a violent wind
A violent love filling the air…
Realms of glory
Lord I long to see…
Realms of glory
Lord I long to see…
A holy wild fire
Extraordinary power
Like a violent wind
A violent love filling the air…
Godfrey Birtill
CD: Godfrey Birtill, Very God, Kingsway Music