O little town of Bethlehem

1 O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.

The words ‘O Little town of Bethlehem ‘ not only speak of a humble town but also allude to the hopes and fears of all the years that find their culmination in the birth of Jesus. This profound verse reminds us that the Christmas story holds a universal significance, as it addresses the longings and anxieties of humanity throughout the ages. As Christians, we can draw inspiration from the timeless message and understanding our role in addressing the hopes and fears of those we meet.

Prayer

Heavenly Father as we reflect on the words of this carol we are reminded of the hopes and fears of all the years that find their meeting place in the birth of Jesus. Help us to acknowledge and address the hopes and fears of those we meet, creating an enviroment of understanding and support. May we have compassion and empathy, recognising the unique aspirations and anxieties of each individual. Guide us, O Lord, to have humility and grace, reflecting your love and compassion to all. Amen

Wonerful Counsellor

Isaiah 9:6 “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.”

The prophecy of a child being born as a Wonderful Councillor reminds us of God’s unwavering support in our lives journey. As Christians, we are not alone. Jesus, the Wonderful Councillor is with us, offering guidance, wisdom, and comfort. Recognising His presence in our lives gives us confidence and assurance, even challenging circumstances. As we encounter difficulties or uncertainty, we can find solace in knowing that the Wonderful Councillor is available to provide wisdom and direction.

Prayer

Loving Father, we thank you for being our Wonderful Councillor, guiding and supporting us in our lives. As Christians, we acknowledge the need for your wisdom and insight. May we seek your counsel in every decision we make, trusting that you know what’s best for us. Grant us the discernment to hear your voice and the courage to follow your leadership. Amen!

Seeking the Messiah

Matthew 2:2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Like the wise men seeking the Messiah, Christians must seek wisdom and guidance from above in their decision making. Just as the wise men followed the star to find Jesus, we too, should rely on God’s leading and seek His wisdom when faced with difficult choices. Trusting in God’s guidance can lead us to make sound decisions that align with His divine plan for us. In the pursuit of success, we may be tempted to lean on our own understanding, but the wisemen’s journey teaches usthe value of seekingthe Lord’s direction first and foremost.

Prayer

Gracious God, we tank yo for the example of the wise men, who sought your guidance and followed the leading of the star to find the newborn King. Help us to seek your wisdom above all else. May we surrender our plans and decisions to you, trusting that you will lead us on the right path. Grant us discernment and clarity as we navigate the complexities of life. Amen

A Servant King

During the period of Advent I itend to post a daily thought and prayer leading up to Christmas day.

Luke 2: 11 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

As Christians let us remember that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of th ultimate servant, Jesus Christ. His willingness to humbly enter the world and serve humanity sets a profound example for us to follow in our Christian roles. In a world that often glorifies power & authority, Christ’s leadership shows us the true greatness lies in serving others selflessly. As we reflect on the manger scene, may it serve as a powerful reminder that our lives should be charecterised by love, humility & compassion, just as Christ demonstrated through his life and ministry.

Prayer

Heavenly Father we come before you in humility, acknowledging that true leadership is found in serving others just as your Son, Jesus Christ, examplified. Grant us the wisdom & strength to lead with love & compassion, prioritising the needs of those we serve. May our leadership be a reflection of your servant – hearted nature, bringing Glory to your name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Savior, while my heart is tender,

Savior, while my heart is tender,
I would yield that heart to Thee;
All my powers to Thee surrender,
Thine and only Thine to be.


Take me now, Lord Jesus, take me;
Let my youthful heart be Thine;
Thy devoted servant make me;
Fill my soul with love divine.


Send me, Lord, where Thou wilt send me,
Only do Thou guide my way;
May Thy grace through life attend me,
Gladly then shall I obey.


Let me do Thy will or bear it;
I would know no will but Thine;
Shouldst Thou take my life or spare it,
I that life to Thee resign.


May this solemn consecration
Never once forgotten be;
Let it know no revocation,
Registered and confirmed by Thee.


Thine I am, O Lord, for ever
To Thy service set apart;
Suffer me to leave Thee never,
Seal Thine image on my heart.

Washed in his Robes

Revelation 7 New International Version

The Great Multitude in White Robes

9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:

“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”

14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
    will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
    nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the centre of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b]
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”

Giving Thanks

Philippians 4 New International Version

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Whilst Sharing this reading with you I am reminded in verses 4 – 7 that thanksgiving in the USA is coming to an end, a time where the American’s give thanks for the harvest i’m told.

We must remember though that giving thanks to God doesn’t just apply to a certain time of the year, it applies all the year round. So today if you have something to thank God for, no matter what it is THANK HIM!

Paul’s Vision and His Thorn

2 Corinthians 12New International Version

Paul’s Vision and His Thorn

12 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Praying Hands

Acts 9:40 

But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

Praying hands (German: Betende Hände), also known as Study of the Hands of an Apostle (Studie zu den Händen eines Apostels), is a pen-and-ink drawing by the German printmaker, painter and theorist Albrecht Dürer. The work is today stored at the Albertina museum in Vienna, Austria. Dürer created the drawing using the technique of white heightening and black ink on (self-made) blue colored paper. The drawing shows a close up of two male hands clasped together praying. Also, the partly rolled up sleeves are seen.

Betende Hände

The drawing is a sketch (study) for hands of an apostles who was planned to occupy the central panel of the triptych in installed in Frankfurt titled the Heller Altarpiece, which was later destroyed by a fire in 1729.[1] The sketched hands appear on the triptych on the right side of the central panel, and although the detail appears very similar, it is smaller in size in the triptych.

The drawing also once contained a sketch of the apostle’s head, but the sheet with the head has been separated from it. Overall, Dürer made 18 sketches for the altarpiece.[2] The first public recognition of the artwork was in 1871 when it was exhibited in Vienna, and the image is thought probably to depict Dürer’s own hands