See HIm lying on a bed of straw

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” Luke 2:8-14 NLT

Good Shepherd,

Tonight is a good time to remember the shepherds out on the hills with their sheep. Maybe they had gathered the flock into a walled area and were wrapped like the baby Jesus in wool blankets to stay warm. Guarding the entrance to the sheepfold with their own bodies.

It is wonderful how Your word all fits together and makes sense. Bethlehem, where David the young shepherd boy was born. He was looking after the sheep when he was called to be anointed for kingship. He shepherded Your people Israel. Christmas eve again in Bethlehem, shepherds heard your call from heaven with an accompanying angelic light show! Your Son would become the Shepherd King and the gate of Your sheep (John 10:9).

The Good Shepherd who would give His life for the sheep. The gate to life here on earth and life in heaven. Like Middle East shepherds You know each sheep individually. You know us by name (Isaiah 45:4). We need to follow You to find pasture. We may not be called to walk miles and find a stable. We may not be frightened by angels in the middle of the night. But we can hear You, follow You and spread the word as those first shepherds did (Luke 2:17).

Christmas, is about Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wise men but most of all it is about You making Your humble entrance into our world. And like the shepherds from the hills, we give You all the praise and glory.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord, our Shepherd,

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 freedom from dictatorship of any kind. Middle East peace.
For peace in families as they gather together.
For those who will and have had to leave home due to violence, danger or threat. Provide safe, kind refuge.
For angels to watch over Your children, young and old around the world who need Your touch.
For us to pause and give thanks that You made a way for Jesus, Mary and Joseph despite all the trouble.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 24th December 2024
Michael Perry was originally inspired to write this song for a college carol concert. It only became famous by accident. Cliff Richard was hastily assembling a selection for radio, and included the song to replace a missing recording. It gained popularity and was included in the 1969 songbook Youth Praise 2. In 1983, the Caribbean island of Nevis featured a line from the chorus of “Calypso Carol” across various 1983 Christmas stamps.

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!

Angels, sing again the song you sang,
Bring God’s glory to the heart of man;
Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can
be salvation to the soul.

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

Lyrics: Michael Perry (1942 – 1996)

“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham”
. . . “Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadok.” Matthew 1:1, 1:13-14 NLT

Our Father,

The story of Jesus earthly family reaches a time when the children of Israel are in dire straits. All the leaders and movers and shakers had been exiled and taken to Babylon to serve there. They had turned away from God and God had allowed them to be taken captive. Miraculously politics changed and Zerubbabel led the first group back home to Jerusalem. With a heart for the right priorities he teamed up with Nehemiah and Ezra and helped organise the rebuilding of the Temple to restoring worship to You.

In Haggai, Zerubbabel is called the Lord’s signet ring (Haggai 2:23). A signet ring contained an emblem unique to the king. Meaning the wearer was genuine and had the authority and honour due to the king. He again gives us a glimpse ahead to when You sent Your signet ring, the Lord Jesus who was God (You) with us, and had authority to lay down his life and take it up and rise again (John 10:18).

Even the Shepherds and the wise men recognised there was something different about Mary’s son that first Christmas. And Mary treasured up all the things the shepherds said in her heart knowing that this baby was a gift from God, literally. Help us to remember that Jesus is our only way to You. The only one with authority to wash away sin and restore us. The only one who can lead us back, not to Jerusalem, but out of captivity and into Your Kingdom.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Our Father,

For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
Thank You for the precious people who enrich our lives.
For our Christian family. Christmas events planned for worship an to welcome new people to.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, the Commons, the house of Lords, the civil servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East for the ongoing complications and vengeance. to end.
For those in captivity in prison, change their hearts Oh Lord.
For those in captivity in refugee camps, nations under martial law, hope and freedom.
For those organising shelters and meals for Christmas. For help to extend beyond this season.
For us to know the certainty of Your complete forgiveness. Silence the doubts and shame the enemy may try to remind us of.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 12th December 2024

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 of us all.
O now carry me…

Verse not included:

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