“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6,7 NKJV
God of zeal,
An announcement is made! We hear Isaiah’s enthusiasm. And the foretelling of Your plan bursting out of Your prophet. An exuberant prophecy of the coming of Jesus. Showing us Your passion to reconcile men and women to Yourself, despite our sin, and because of Your great love. Even though, apart from a star and an angelic choir, the King arrived humbly and quietly in Bethlehem.
Thank you God, that Your enthusiasm has been from everlasting to everlasting, that Your Zeal has not waned with the lapse of Your people into sin or turning to false idols and self reliance. Thank You that You are focused, longsuffering, unchanging and undefeatable.
Help us remember that now is not forever. We are in our time in history, it was not chance we were born at such a time as this. What will our generations be remembered for? World turmoil, wars, a global pandemic, global warming? Being faithful to our God?
Your zeal and enthusiasm for us amazes us. That You planned from eternity to come to us as Jesus, a baby. You planned from eternity each one of us to be born! (Psalm 139) You gave us opportunity to accept Your gift of life and bow the knee to Jesus so we too can know eternity. So You could be our Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Life changing.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of Zeal,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. So many hopes and prayers.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Hearts be open to receive You.
For all those who have gone before sharing Jesus thank You. For the generations yet to be born to get to know You in all Your fulness.
For our Government, that it might focus on serving the people of this nation,
For King Charles, the Queen and their families at this busy time.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. So destruction can stop.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, and soon. Change Russia’s outlook and situation.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who deliver medical help and food and water aid, large or small.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For refugees and those separated from family at this time.
For those with mental health problems and grief and who find this season difficult.
For countries where power is misused. Dictatorships, Military Junta’s. Provide for the oppressed.
For ourselves, faith and hope and encouragement as well as the joy of the Christmas season.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 14th December 2023
Even if you are not a fan of classical music this short excerpt from Handel’s Messiah always reminds me of the promise and message of Christmas.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace
(Isaiah 9:5)
Handel
CD: Handel’s Messiah, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, Stardust Records.