“When they (wise men) 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 worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.” Matthew 2:10-12 NKJV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6
The only God, only wise God,
You are love. But you cannot overlook wrong. You will judge and find guilty those whose names are not written in the book of life (Revelation 20:12). A sobering thought and why we share the love of Jesus, the good news. Love that forgives those who are sorry. Christmas is a time to remember You are a generous giving God. It is not just about Christmas movies, traditions, eating, more eating and having a good time.
You inspired the wise men to follow the sign, the star, and find You. They met a helpful King. No reason to suspect Him. But You read hearts God. You know the ways of man and sent them home another way avoiding him. When we choose You we choose to go another way, Your way. You teach us to give love, even to our enemies, but don’t say we have to trust them. You teach us to be as wise as serpents as harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16).
You spoke to the wise men in a dream. Speak to us, through dreams, Your Word the Bible and Your Holy Spirit, so we know how best to go forward. Help us to know what is good, true and kind and will bear fruit. Help us to know when someone is not what they appear. Or not being truthful. Keep us from half lies. Not so we can get our own back, but so we can avoid trouble. And walk Your path of peace.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
The only wise God,
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 good men and women to speak out for, and bring, peace in troubled areas.
For Ukraine and Gaza and an end to conflict.
For our churches and all those places that have celebrated Your birthday and shared meals and food and given shelter to those without homes.
For those who have had difficult or bad news at this time to be held in Your arms of love.
For ourselves, that You would give us good dreams and good sleep and restful days.
In Jesus powerful, loving name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 27th December 2023
There’s a lot of pain but a lot more healing
There’s a lot of trouble but a lot more peace
There’s a lot of hate but a lot more loving
There’s a lot of sin but a lot more grace
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Love unfurled by heaven’s hand
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Through my Jesus I can stand
There’s a lot of fear but a lot more freedom
There’s a lot of darkness but a lot more light
There’s a lot of cloud but a lot more vision
There’s a lot of perishing but a lot more life
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Love unfurled by heaven’s hand
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Through my Jesus I can stand
Short music bridge
There’s an enemy
That seeks to kill what it can’t control
It twists and turns
Making mountains out of molehills
But I will call on my Lord
Who is worthy of praise
I run to Him and I am saved
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Love unfurled by heaven’s hand
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Through my Jesus I can stand
Godfrey Birtill