“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.” Luke 1:46-55 NLT
Lord God,
The forth Sunday in Advent. Our count down to Your birthday celebration is getting very close. A few days to go. So what better verses to read than this song of praise by Mary. The first praise response to Your provision of the coming birth. Knowing that You choose to use the humble and inexperienced. So You can use even us. And Mary reminds us, You always keep Your promises, always offer mercy, You bring down the proud and exalt the humble (Matthew 23:12).
You promised Abraham that through his offspring all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). And here we are rejoicing that a child born into his family tree would be the Saviour of the world.
It is a day to worship and rejoice that You, God, love sinners. You saw our need to be forgiven and sent Your Son. Now those of us who are humble and open to accept Your love are blessed because of Jesus. Keep us humble, keep us good, feed our souls till we can eat no more. Keep us praising.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord 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 and for peace in our nation in this season.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan a good Government, all areas of conflict in the Middle East to know peace.
For families to make peace an spend time together without animosity.
For those dashing about doing last minute chores, still working, time to finish tasks.
For those who wish it was all over draw close to be all they need to comfort and assure.
For us to chill out and enjoy the carol services and not worry about tomorrow. A good nights sleep.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 22nd December 2024
Edmund Sears originally wrote this carol as a melancholy reflection on his times while a minister in the US. It then became a popular hymn and carol. Times have not really changed – but we see God at work in our lives and our times and are encouraged.
It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o’er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
But with the woes of sin and strife
the world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
the love song which they bring; –
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
and hear the angels sing!
For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
Lyrics: Edmund Hamilton Sears