Start The Day

Wednesday 24th December 2025

“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. ¹⁵Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.¹⁶We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. ¹⁸Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 2:14-18 NLT

God of our salvation,

The Hebrew Christians were undergoing terrible persecution and for some the only way to be relieved was to abandon their faith. So this book, letter, sermon was written to exhort them not to and explain why. Maybe it was written by Paul? But it was inspired by You, God, as Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

So this is not just for Hebrew Christians but for all of us. And we have a theological Christmas and the reason for the season. Because we are human Jesus became one of us, flesh and blood. He knew hunger, what baby doesn’t cry to be fed. He knew about growing up and learning and being teachable (Luke 2:41).. He knew about respect, relationships and living as one in a family. Helping his mother at a wedding. (John 2:3). But he was also Emmanuel, You walking among us. He was also controlled nature and stilled the storm, raised the dead and conquered death. A merciful, faithful high priest. He did not provide a sacrifice but offered himself up. To know The people of Israel’s history is to understand more of Your Son’s history.

This Christmas we cannot just see a sweet little baby in a manger. We see Your character growing before our very eyes as one of us yet without sin. We meet Him on the cross and accept he died for the Hebrews and for us too. Thank You God, Thank You He did.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 24th December 2025

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 to the soul.

O now carry me…

Mine are riches, from your poverty,
from your innocence, eternity;
mine, forgiveness by your death for me,
child of sorrow for my joy.
O now carry me…

Lyrics: Michael Perry

Tuesday 23rd December 2025

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. ²For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLY

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. ¹⁵You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT

God of Truth,

Paul’s second letter to Timothy is possibly his last letter, and I wonder if Timothy made that requested visit to Paul? The letter was written to encourage and challenge Timothy to continue strong in his faith, regardless of any suffering and hardship. The letter also reminds Timothy to keep his faith and put all his hope in Jesus’ resurrection.

For me Paul’s talk of end times speaks to many generations and again to ours. Sin has not changed. It has always been about money, power and sex. All can be used for good but equally and seemingly often seem to be used for self and evil. We too need encouragement to continue in our faith and to and to encourage those younger than ourselves to know and trust You regardless of troubles.

In looking into Your Word we see the thread of Your plan, Your provision and Your certain promises. In moving through the whole Bible this year I have seen the blood line from Adam to Jesus and the Your blood line from eternity to Jesus to eternity. All scripture. It all fits together and will come together in Your time. It is amazing Lord God. Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for those who left their testimonies to encourage us. There will be a resurrection and we will be part of it. The unknown is always a little scary but You will be there, our hope, our peace,our rescuer.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 22nd December 2025
I read that this is a seriously theological carol. So I stopped to really read the lyrics I have sung many, many times. And it is! And I am sure Paul and Timothy would have approved of the lyrics.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail the incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

Lyrics: Charles Wesley (George Whitfield alterations)
“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” was written by the great English hymn writer Charles Wesley in 1739. The original opening was ‘Hark, how all the welkin [heavens] rings, Glory to the King of Kings.’ This was changed by Wesley’s co-worker George Whitefield to the version we have now.

Monday 22nd December 2025

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— ²in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, ³and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, ⁴To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:1-4 NIV

“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, ⁵he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 NIV

Eternal Father,

Paul wrote to Titus who he had left on the Island of Crete and with a fellowship of believers there. It is an incredible little letter. Timeless and familiar and yet full of the importance of correct doctrine. The opening verses bring eternity into focus. You God promised eternal life before the beginning of time (verse 2). Our salvation was planned before man, before anything. You did not get a good idea later. You were not surprised that Your creation had free will and wanted their own way.. You knew and went ahead because You loved what You made and had already planned our salvation. Nothing left to chance.

And then in chapter three, You, Father have Paul put into crystal clear words what You have done for us. Paul goes on how this should be worked out in our lives. I had to just linger here. We are preparing to celebrate Christmas and it is amazing to contemplate when You prepared before time for each event. Before You formed Adam and Eve and humanity, You prepared and were prepared to leave glory and power and majesty and be born one of us. And allow us to have power over You. And to forgive us for what we did. It is difficult to consider this season without considering Easter.

Keep us joyful at Your coming and forever grateful at Your giving and ever expectant for Your coming again.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 22nd December 2025
Not a carol I have really sung much, so its good to consider the words. Even if it is not yet the night we celebrate the night he was born!

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
and in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

Lyrics: Placide Cappeau Translator: John Sullivan Dwight