Online Church Resources

6 December 2020

by CCBC

Welcome

Prayer

Father God, this Christmas let us hear and be strengthened by the word of God:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined Isaiah 9:2

When the wise men saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy Matthew 2:10

The angel says to the shepherds – “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people” Luke 2:10

The apostle John says – We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands…this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it 1 John !:1

Mary says – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” Luke 1:46-47

Father God, we thank you for the significance of the coming of your Son into the world
We don’t have to live with fear and bitterness
We don’t have to live with guilt and shame
We don’t have to live with paralysing loneliness

Jesus’ coming gives us the opportunity to start again – to live a new life
Only He can incline our hearts towards God
Only He can convince us in our hearts by the Holy Spirit that the Scriptures are true
Only He can move us to respond to the Gospel

Mary had the courage to pray this prayer:
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word”
Maybe we have never prayed that prayer
Father, give us the grace to humble ourselves with Mary

Thank you for the day you confronted me with the utter futility of my own achievement
Forgive us for all those times when we have exalted in our own achievement, rather than resting in the achievement of your Son
Nothing we can do can compare with what you have done for us in Christ

We pray for those who are living in turmoil, for people groups who are being persecuted, and for deprived and disadvantaged people who are crying out for justice

Thank you God for showing us your heart and for revealing your compassion

This Christmas open our eyes to the significance of the coming of your Son into the world

May the nations come to know that you alone are God. Amen