Father,
Thank you that when we were lost and enslaved to sin, You sent Your Son to save us. You did not send us just good advice. We are horrible at following good advice. When we were helpless and could not help ourselves, You sent Him to become one of us and rescue us. He invaded this world that is dominated by sin and death to set the prisoners free. Help us live as part of that new kingdom that He came to create. And help us live in celebration of the fact that He came to redeem us.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
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LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE
Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand:
Ponder nothing worldly minded,
For with blessing in His hand
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.
King of kings, yet born to Mary,
As if old on earth He stood.
Lord of Lords in human vesture,
In body and the blood.
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food,
Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.
(~Liturgy of St. James the 4th)
Oh Dear Father, how can we take into our finite minds the magnitude of these words? From heaven to a manger, to live a sinless life, to pay the price for MY sins on the cross, rise again, prepare a place for me in heaven....I want to shout...but I can only fall on my face, and keep silence. I love You. Amen
Amen
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Joy to the World
Luke 2:8-12 (NIV)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Father, how strange it
seems that such great joy of infinite and eternal value should be found in the
lowly and unpleasant setting of an animal’s shelter. Far from the splendor of
heaven’s glory is the Savior’s birth place, to be visited first by shepherds of
humble state and vocation. How could the contrast be any greater than that God
became man, the Sovereign took the form of a servant, and the King became a pauper.
Though this baby became a man of sorrows he brought great joy to the world.
Father, through the gift of
your Son, Jesus, all who believe in Him, have the joy of sins forgiven, the joy
a relationship with you, and the joy which will have everlasting completion in
your eternal presence. Truly, it is joy even beyond the world for it encompasses
not just time but eternity.
Thank you Father that joy became incarnate in the birth of Your Son, which we celebrate every Christmas. Indeed it is joy to the world!
Amen
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Help me, O Lord
Have mercy on me, O God,
have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
He will send help from heaven to rescue me,
disgracing those who hound me.
My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.
I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey-
whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows,
and whose tongues cut like swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens!
May your glory shine over all the earth.
My enemies have set a trap for me.
I am weary from distress.
They have dug a deep pit in my path,
but they themselves have fallen into it.
My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord,
among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God,
above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Amen
Psalm 57:1-11 NLT
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have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
He will send help from heaven to rescue me,
disgracing those who hound me.
My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.
I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey-
whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows,
and whose tongues cut like swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens!
May your glory shine over all the earth.
My enemies have set a trap for me.
I am weary from distress.
They have dug a deep pit in my path,
but they themselves have fallen into it.
My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord,
among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God,
above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Amen
Psalm 57:1-11 NLT
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Light of the World
Father,
May the Light of the World shine in our darkness. We live in a world of deep darkness, like that long ago. We live in the midst of gloom and confusion. Intervene in that darkness. Enlighten our eyes, enlighten our hearts, and enlighten our minds. Help us see You in the midst of this world's chaos. Not just at Christmas time, but the whole year round.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
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May the Light of the World shine in our darkness. We live in a world of deep darkness, like that long ago. We live in the midst of gloom and confusion. Intervene in that darkness. Enlighten our eyes, enlighten our hearts, and enlighten our minds. Help us see You in the midst of this world's chaos. Not just at Christmas time, but the whole year round.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
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Anticipation
Lord Jesus, as your people anticipated the Messiah by actively waiting and obeying your Law, may we actively anticipate your coming again by working for your kingdom while we wait. Let your kingdom come on earth in us as it is in heaven. Amen
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Safely Home
“Christ
suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for
sinners to bring you safely home to God….”
1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)
In Steve Green’s song “Safely Home,” you can hear Jesus saying:
“Children, precious children I
Know you’re shaken,
A loved one taken.
A loved one taken.
Oh but hear me. Come, draw near
me. His pain is passed now.
He rests at last now, safely home.
He is strong and free. He is safe
with me.
This life is nearly shadow. Today
there’s sorrow, but joy tomorrow.
Safely home.
One day you will join Him, all
together, this time forever,
Safely home.”
Father we find great comfort in Jesus words: ”There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:2-3 (NLT)
Father we are
grateful for our lives here on earth and we are grateful for the life we will
share with you in heaven. And this is all possible because Jesus left his home
in heaven to be born in a stable, die on a cross and be victoriously raised
from the dead. In singing the songs of Christmas we celebrate the glorious
reality of these events and the blessed assurance of our hope in heaven.
Thank you
Father that as we enjoy the festivities of this season we do so with a sparkle
in our eye, a joy in our heart and a hope in our future, as we remember the words
of the Apostle: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT)
Yes, we are
fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for
then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8 (NLT)
Amen
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Hear me, Lord
Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; have mercy on me,
Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.
Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.
Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
ruthless people are trying to kill me--
they have no regard for you.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.
Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Amen
Psalm 86:1-17 NIV
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for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; have mercy on me,
Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.
Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.
Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
ruthless people are trying to kill me--
they have no regard for you.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.
Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Amen
Psalm 86:1-17 NIV
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Thine Is the Glory
(Part of a continuing series on the Lord's Prayer. I am aware there is a serious textual question on this last part, but I have decided to pray through it, anyway.)
Father,
I thank You that the kingdom and the power and the glory all belong to You. Help us to live in the light of that. Help us to remember that You are ultimately victorious and that Your rule will last forever, when all that we today think is great has come and gone. Help us to look beyond the facade of this present world and to see Your majesty and to live for eternity rather than this current age.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
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Father,
I thank You that the kingdom and the power and the glory all belong to You. Help us to live in the light of that. Help us to remember that You are ultimately victorious and that Your rule will last forever, when all that we today think is great has come and gone. Help us to look beyond the facade of this present world and to see Your majesty and to live for eternity rather than this current age.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
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Longing and Hope
Jesus, as Israel longed for their Messiah, so we long for you to return and consummate your kingdom. We long for the day when creation will be restored, when their will be more pain or death, when all tears will be wiped away. Thank you for the hope that we have in you, the expectation that you will come as you promised. Amen
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GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
Luke 2:13~14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying ~ "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Dear Lord, I cannot comprehend that You, the Creator of the universe took on flesh and were born of a peasant girl. You, the One who spoke galaxies into existence, became a speechless newborn baby. You, the One who gave the stars their light, veiled Your own glory and slipped unnoticed into the human race. You, the One who clothes all of nature in its boundless beauty and order, came to us wrapped in rags and lying in a feeding trough. The miracle of Your incarnation is all too unexpected, too mysterious, too holy for me to understand. I can only follow the shepherds to the manger and bow in astonishment and thanksgiving, glorify and praising You for all that I have heard and seen. I love You. Amen.
*Little angels from church Christmas Play
*Maranatha Worship Bible
Amen
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Thankful for Daily Guidance
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Father
if there is anything we need in life it is guidance. And Father I am so
impressed with the Psalmist prayer who desires to learn Your will, who
understands the importance of Your will, who realizes that guidance in Your
will is an act of Your gracious Spirit and who longs for the security of a
certain future.
Father,
I want that as we are within weeks of completing a year and soon to begin a new
one. So much activity in the coming weeks and decisions we may need to make
that we haven’t even thought of yet. But your guidance through the balance of this
year and through all the days of the coming new year will be a real source of
peace and hope.
Thank
You Father that the Apostle Paul gives us insight into how this is
accomplished: “Don’t copy the behavior
and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by
changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Father
the best thing we can do is to learn Your will and follow Your guidance daily.
Not only do we pray for daily bread but also daily guidance. And thank You that
in Your will we have both.
Through Jesus our Lord,
Amen
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Lord, teach me to forgive
Our Father in heaven, you have commanded us to forgive one another, even up to seventy times seven times, even though we feel it is unfair to us. I pray O God you will teach us to be kind to another, tender-hearted forgiving one another, even as God through Christ has forgiven us. At times when it is difficult to forgive, I pray that you will remind us of your grace and mercy for us, because we too are unworthy for your forgiveness but still you have forgiven us and justified us worthy through Christ. Similar for our brothers and sisters who may have wronged against us, and when we do not have any idea how to move forward, we come to you Father asking for your grace and mercy to flow through us like a river to them, that they too will be filled with your goodness and grace.
Amen
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Amen
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