The God beyond Us - 22 December

Readings
It took an angel to rescue Joseph from his shock at his fiancée’s pregnancy. That only seems fair as it was the angel that brought the tidings of joy to Mary - so to reassure Joseph seems entirely reasonable.

Do you need reassuring? What life altering message have you been given that has rocked your world? What assurance do you need?
Let’s try…. The God of the universe - the known and unknown. The God of history, present and future. The God of Mary, Joseph, the disciples, the woman at the well and many others. The God of our forebears, inspirational and Godly saints. This God, this very God is right with you now. The one whose promises are steadfast , the one who is not slow in keeping promises, the one who will never leave or forsake is with you right at this very moment. Our God is beyond our understanding but is within our grasp.

Prayer
O God you come with power to shock and disturb Shock me out of my familiarity with the story of Jesus’ birth Disturb the complacency which leads me to wrap Christmas up in a box of taken-for-granted stories
Open my ears to listen for the voices of angels
Open my eyes to see the work of your Holy Spirit
Unexpected and disturbing God, grant me the courage of Joseph to hear the voice of the angel and see life in a new way. May I be ready to receive the one who comes as Saviour. Amen

Readings
Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 139, Matthew 2:18b-21

Hymn/Song
King of Kings

A love that never goes - 21 December

Reflection

The opening chapters of Genesis yield a description of God’s purpose in creating. This purpose is largely echoed throughout the Old Testament where we regularly encounter phrases like, “I will be their God and they will be my people” (Gen. 17:8, Exod. 6:7, Jer. 24:7, Joel 2:27). In those early chapters of Genesis we also discover the devastating effects sin has on God’s purpose. The rest of the Biblical story unfolds this tension between God’s purposeful design for creation and the sinful sabotage of God’s plan.

Advent is that season in the church year that unequivocally declares that God’s purpose for creation will not be ultimately frustrated. Neither the darkness of sin, nor the devastating powers of evil can derail God’s good purpose. It is here, during Advent, that the church reaches back with one hand to Bethlehem where the eternal Word was made flesh and took up residence among us (John 1:14). With the other hand, the church reaches forward to the New Jerusalem where the home of God is finally, permanently, among His people (Revelation 21:3). Just as the church looks in remembrance, she also looks forward in eager expectation for the fulfilment of Gods purpose, when finally the dwelling of God is among His people and He will live with them as God, and they will be His children.

Prayer

Maranatha” (Come, Lord Jesus! Come!). Abide in me, dwell with me, as I continue my journey through this Advent season by the presence of your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes that I might see you, my ears that I might hear you, my heart, home, church and life that I might welcome you, the Word made Flesh, until at last all your good purposes for me are completely fulfilled. O, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel. Amen

Readings
Psalm 134:2, Isaiah 60:1-3, Luke 2:8-20

Hymn/Song
See him lying on a bed of straw

We need to go - 20 December

Reflection
The strange and remarkable thing about Advent is that it is a combination of the unknown and the utterly predictable. It can be as exciting as the little paper doors and windows that our children open each day in the Advent calendar; it's as known and familiar as the words to the Advent songs that we can easily sing from memory. And somewhere in between these two extremes lies the meaning of Advent and its significance for us.

The true essence of Advent is about a journey. The first Advent the adventure was there in all its terrifying, harsh, bewildering reality. Mary visited by an angel and waited for her baby to be born, not knowing what kind of life her son would lead or what kind of impact it would have on her. The pregnancy burst in upon her and imposed a new direction on her life. All she knew was that she was bearing the Messiah, the Long-Awaited One. The rest was pure adventure. Passing through Advent means we to need to move, to go on an adventure .

Prayer
Watch, dear Lord, with those who cannot sleep and those who weep this night.
Tend the sick, give rest to the weary and bless the dying.
Relieve those who are suffering, have pity on those in great distress, and shield those who are happy. Amen.
(St Augustine)

Readings
Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 63,Matthew 2: 13-18

Prayer
It came upon a midnight clear.

Avoiding Wordly Passions - 19 December

Reflection

As we walk through these days of Advent, I find myself wrestling with "the reason for this season." Christmas carols ring everywhere, and have for weeks; commercialism is at its worst; and people buy and spend for some good reasons and for many not so good ones. And yet we proclaim Jesus, the one who is, but is also the one to come.

Paul writes to Titus to remind him of what is important. "…We wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ." Paul and Titus were not in the midst of preparing for Christmas, but these words speak to us nonetheless. What is important in this hectic season is preparing hearts and homes for the celebration of Jesus' birth. We can't completely avoid the "worldly passions" of this age, but we can take time to walk and talk with God in these days of Advent, and live faithful lives in Jesus' name. With less than one week to go will you ask God to speak more fully to you.

Prayer

Lord,
help us to still seek you in this season of excess and to hear you above all the other distractions that vie for our attention. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 36: 5-9, Zechariah 4, Luke 1:67-75 Titus 2:11-14

Hymn/Song
Hark the Herald

Myster and Awe - 18 December

Reflection
On this last Sunday of Advent, we quietly reflect on the mystery resting in awe, in wonder of how our God entered our world and came to be with us. We pause to receive the gift offered us: that the Spirit of God will open up our lives and that Jesus will really come into our hearts.
This sense of awe is further emphasized by the fact that God chose the innocence of a young woman, and understanding Aunt and Uncle (Elizabeth & Zechariah), a sensitive, faithful, upright and religious Joseph. Thee is so much hope for us then.
May we have watchful hope today, believing what the Lord promises us. Let us pray today, that we might be God's servants, that we might be instruments of God's love for our families and all we serve this week.

Prayer
They all were looking for a king
To slay their foes and lift them high
Thou cam’st a little Baby thing
That made a woman cry.’
George MacDonald (1824-1905)

Lord Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords the only ruler of princes, help me not to seek to possess truth but strive towards its goal

Readings
2 Samuel 7:1-16; Psalm 89, Luke 1:5-23, Romans 16:25–27

Hymn/Song
Tell Out My Soul

To Serve, Not to be Served - 17 December

Reflection

Isaiah was a court prophet for four kings in Judea in the sixth century B.C. It was in that time that the northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians. Hence the king and his court, along with the whole population of Judea, feared for their safety in front of the military advance of these despised conquerors.

Much needed in this environment of desperation were words of hope. Isaiah endeavours to provide just such words. There will be better times under the rule of a great king, a Messiah. This messianic time will be an age when God will bring life from death and victory from defeat. For Christians, they, like their master, can be endowed with or blessed with the spirit. Here the Messiah and his followers have a social conscience. They have a passion for justice. The question for each of us is: Do we have a passion for justice in our daily work? Are we called to serve? By justice, I mean not what each is due just because of his or her humanity, but rather what each needs as a Child of God.
May we reach out in the name of Jesus to a hurting world just as God reached out and continues to reach out to our broken lives.

Prayer
Lord God, your Son came among us to serve and not to be served, and to give his life for the world. Lead us by his love to serve all those to whom the world offers no comfort and little help. Through us give hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, peace to the troubled, and rest to the weary. Amen.

Reading
Psalm 19, Jeremiah 23:5-6, John 13:1-17

Hymn/Song
The Church of Christ in every age

More than I can Imagine - 16 December

Reflection
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine….”

Wow this is far more than we can imagine. None of us can properly understand what it must have been like for Mary to learn about what was going to happen to her. Are you grateful to Mary for being open to God’s working in her life. Her humility, obedience and faithfulness are an example of what can happen when people are open to God’s movement in their lives. Our scriptures are full of examples of people like Mary who partner with God, participating with God in the redemption of creation.

Do we fail to anticipate the “new thing” that God desires to do, do we continue doing the “old thing” that is comfortable and familiar. What are the old and new things that comes to mind? What do we struggle with in our lives. Churches that are changing? Does it all seem to much? Why not ask God who can do immeasurably more than we can imagine to help us. Why not let go and let God?

Prayer

Almighty God, I desire to see you working in my life. I confess God that sometimes I have limited your power by my own imagination and lack of faith. Help me Lord be open to the new things you are calling me to. Thank you God that when you call me you also give me the grace and skills needed. Strengthen me O God as I participate in your Kingdom. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen

Readings
Psalm 21, Isaiah 49:8-13, Matthew 17:1-13, Ephesians 3

Hymn/Song
In the bleak mid winter

A Promise Fulfilled - 15 December

Reflection

Have you ever made a promise that you could not keep? It is probably safe to say that we all have done that at least once in our life. We start out with good intentions for fulfilling the promise. But then, out of the blue, things can happen, like the boss asks us to work overtime, the car breaks down, someone gets sick, or the weather turns bad, and well, we just can't live up to our word. When this has happened to me, I feel really sad and sorry that I could not keep my word. And I also worry that people will not trust or believe me the next time I promise something to them.

How grateful I am that God always keeps the promises that he makes. Throughout all of Scripture, every time God promised something it was fulfilled. Nothing ever hinders or interferes with the will of God. The greatest promise God ever made was that he would send his Son to bring salvation to the world. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we were forgiven our sins and brought into a right relationship with God. Thanks be to God for promises made and kept!

Prayers
Almighty God,
I give you thanks for the fulfilled promise of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Help me to always trust in your Word and promises. Amen.

Readings
Numbers 24:17, Habakkuk 3:17-19, Matthew 5:17-19, 2 Peter 3:9

Hymn/Song
Cradled in a Manger Meanly

Waiting....14 December

Reflection
Waiting is probably the most challenging thing in our society at this time. We avoid waiting in long lines and have turned to technology for rapid processing, only to be told that the delivery date is still two weeks away. Some of us tweet, use facebook, email and expect an immediate comment or reply. The thought of waiting for riches is unheard of, so we turn to "get rich quick" schemes, only to find that we lose our investments. When youthful we detest the thought of waiting to become an adult so we engage in adult activities early, only to find that we are too young to handle the responsibilities.

There is a pattern here that is quite obvious. Every time we rush the calendar, we lose precious moments when the opportunity for waiting, reflecting and understanding would help remove the stains and blemishes that impact our lives.

Prayer
Almighty God,
in the midst of my desire to rush the precious time that you give me, give me patience as I wait to fulfil your promise of a new day with you.
Through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, I pray. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 132:10-16, Proverbs 8:34, Zechariah 9:9-10,  Luke 2:25-32

Hymn/Song
Be Still for the presence of the Lord

The Word became flesh - 13 December

Reflection

The narrative of the incarnation in John’s gospel is as succinct as it is direct. "The Word became flesh and lived among us." It is difficult to produce romanticised images for Christmas cards or nativity scenes. John cuts through the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke to get straight to the point - God the creator has become created.

The mystery of this paradox lies at the centre of the Christian faith. Whilst we might want to take control of our spiritual journey as followers of Jesus, asking 'what would Jesus do', this paradox of grace is beyond our control. This is because what Jesus would do is what God does in our midst for our sake and the sake of "all things [that] came into being through him".

Our celebration of this gift of grace, the incarnation of God in Jesus. This is the good news of a Christmas spirituality - we do not have to earn God's favour but through grace we can celebrate what God has already done for us in sharing our existence. We can do this as we enter into the rhythm of weekly worship, taking bread and wine, feasting on God's word, showing compassion for those around us and caring for this creation for which Christ came.

Prayer
Teach me good Lord, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen. (St Ignatius Loyola)

Readings
Psalm 72:1-8, Zephaniah 3:14-20, John 1:14

Hymn/Song
Once in Royal David's City

A Peace that Passes Understanding - 12 December

Reflection
What is trust? Two artists were commissioned to paint a picture of trust and confidence in the Lord. The one painted a beautiful pastoral scene. The meadow was green and aflame with blooming flowers. The sky was exotic blue and dotted with playful clouds. Cows grazed in the distance and a happy family sat on their back porch serenely surveying the tranquility of the moment.

The second picture depicted one of the most devastating storms imaginable. The sky was ominous, the lightning terrifying. The heavy rain was lashing against the rocks. The trees nearly touched the ground as they bent before the onslaught of the wind.

A close inspection revealed a small bird in the cleft of a rock unruffled by the storm. Underneath the picture was the one word, Peace. This one was chosen because it depicted the peace of God in the midst of the turmoil of the world. You can trust Him at all times and in all ways.

May the God of peace bless and carry you.

Prayer
Lord God, We stand amazed at your power and majesty bowed by such humility. We stand amazed at the suffering love that transforms our lives. We stand amazed that you, O God most high, were brought low for our sake.
We bow down, to praise, to worship and to adore. Amen

Readings
Psalm 23, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7

Hymn/Song
What a friend we have in Jesus

My Soul Magnifies the Lord - 11 December

Reflection
When Mary cries out her song of praise to God it occurs after Elizabeth has noticed she is “blessed” It is reassuring to know that Mary was fully accepted by Zechariah and Elizabeth. There was no condemnation and no disbelief on their part . Why was that? Simply they too had experienced God’s hand upon them, a miracle for them both - so why not Mary?

The radiance of heaven came and rescued us—Mary and Elizabeth responded.
The radiance of heaven still comes and rescues us. Will we respond?

As people living life in God's time, living eternity life now, we like Mary are called to share in her response. To magnify the Lord as an expression of thankfulness for what God has already done in and is doing through Jesus' own life, death, resurrection and ascension.

Will your soul magnify the Lord? Will you commit as Mary did?

Prayer

Lord, lighten our darkness.
Let the bright shafts of your love colour our lives.
Let us be transformed as the light of the morning star blazes in our hearts, that we may show your light in the dark places of this world. Amen.

Readings
Isaiah 61:1–2, 10–11; Luke 1:46-55, John 1:6–8, 19–28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24;

Hymn/Song
The Magnificat

Good News - 10 December

Reflection
Can you imagine the preacher getting into the pulpit and beginning with "You brood of vipers!"? I can imagine the phone calls that would flood into the Superintendent's office. I wonder if John the Baptist sensed that his time was short to cut through the deceit of the people that were coming to him. He answered their self-serving questions with obvious answers - things they must have known perfectly well already. We, too, know what is expected of us as children of God. But in so many ways we fail to share, to want only what is ours, to not cut corners, and to be satisfied with what we have.

Like the crowds that gathered around John, we gather in this Advent season to hear the truly good news that the Messiah has come. The presence of Jesus in our world gives us assurance that our failures are redeemed and courage to try again to be living examples of God's love. It can be difficult to hear the truth about ourselves, but without acknowledging our need, we do not value the gift. May we welcome Jesus into our world with full understanding of the value of the gift the Father gives to us.

Prayer
Gracious God, help us to look forward to the good news of the
Messiah’s birth with honest and grateful hearts. Let the world see us as people who have received a great gift and are eager to share it. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 97, Luke 3:7-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Hymn/Song
For unto us a child is born

Lord I am not worthy to receive - 9 December

Reflection

Have you ever been accused of having selective hearing? Or hearing what you want to hear? Today's scripture reminds us of the danger in having ears that hear, but don't understand. Isaiah was called to preach to a group of people who weren't going to listen to him... hardhearted people who were going to hear what they wanted to hear.

We face this danger every time we hear a sermon or open scripture. Our tendency is to read what we want to read... and to hear what we want to see. We expect God to fit into the boxes that we construct for Him, and to act according to our expectations. This Advent, we're reminded that Jesus didn't come the way people expected. Instead, he came as a baby in a manger, born in a rough stable behind a busy inn. May our eyes and ears be open, that we see Him when He comes to us today.

Prayer
We worship you eternal and everlasting God;
Alpha and Omega – the first and the last.
For you are the source of all life.
You set the world in motion, creating solar systems and planets;
You are beyond our understanding more than we can ever imagine.

Thank you for your love, the delicate wrapping in which you enfold us from our beginning to our end. We are not worthy yet we open our hearts to receive your love. Amen

Readings

Isaiah 6:1-13, Matthew 3: 1-12, 1 John 4:1-6

Hymn/song
Love Came down at Christmas

Indeed he is coming - 8 December

Refection
Malachi prophesied during the post-exilic period. During this time, as people returned to Jerusalem and the temple was restored, there was great hope among the Israelites. But these hopes were soon dashed. The priesthood had lost their way, engaging in practices that violated the laws governing ritual sacrifice and failing to guide and teach the people. The widows and orphans, and all those the torah demands the people of Yahweh protect, were suffering under oppression and neglect.

Into this setting Malachi promises a messenger will come to remind the people of the covenant. This reminder will come as a shock to the ones who have lost their way, and the message will be painful. However, through this messenger God will draw near and draw the people back into a covenant relationship with God.

For Malachi, this messenger will come soon and not without violence. “Indeed he is coming…but who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire.”

God loves perfectly and completely and Gods love is one of action—giving, guiding and guarding.


Prayer
Lord, may we who have plenty live simply so that others may simply live. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 85, Malachi 4:1-6, Luke 1:76-80, Ephesians 5:1-21

Hymn/Song
Hills of the North rejoice

Blessed are the .. 7 December

Reflection

Christ has come.. Christ will come again..
We might expect people in general to get anxious about the things of our world: a difficult economy, a growing disparity between the rich and the poor of the world, natural disasters, and much more..
Yet for all who proclaim and follow the Christ, our anxiety is of a different sort. We anticipate especially during Advent, we remember that Christ is already Lord and so we anticipate his coming again.

Despite difficult or disappointing situations, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite loneliness, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite changed circumstances, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite unexpected situations, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite my mistakes, your disappointment, our inadequacy or anything else that would cause us to be brought down…Jesus is already Lord.
Jesus turns everything upside down and always will.

Prayer

O God, the burdens of the world are so heavy, yet you do not faint
O God, the cries of the needy are so great, yet you do not grow weary
I offer to you my faint heart that you will give me courage
I offer to you my weakness that you will make me strong
I offer to you my praise for you lift me up on eagle’s wings
I offer to you my adoration for you take away my weariness
In this Advent season I wait expectantly on You for You offer so much more than I can dream of receiving.
Amen

Readings
Psalm 34, Matthew 5:1-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Hymn/Song
Light of the World

Rejoice Highly Favoured One - 6 December

Reflection
I was standing on the top of the hill and looked over the most amazing view, there was little to be said. I whispered, “Who am I, Lord, that you would show me such favour?” I was in awe of the scene. Ancient words pierced my thoughts. “Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:28 NKJV

But these words were for Mary, the mother of Jesus, not for one as unworthy as me. Yet God replies to us all Mary was chosen to carry my son in her womb. You were fashioned to carry Him in your heart. Highly favoured. Chosen. Called by the Creator of the universe. Purposed for Gods work. Equipped. How will this be? But this is how God refers to you. You are highly favoured, you are chosen, You are loved, you are important. In our quest for telling others the good news have we forgotten such grace, such mercy for you. Our God who has spanned all time has a love which surpasses all and it is this love which we celebrate and glory in. To know Christ and to make him known—that is what it is all about.

Prayer
Lord, inspire me to live in such a way that my choices each day and my commitment to live in a positive way may transform the negative into something positive, and the ordinariness of daily life into something extraordinary. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 150, Luke 1:28, Philippians 3:1-11

Hymn/Song
All I once held dear

Let it be to me - 5 December

Reflection

When reading Mary’s response to Gods invitation the words that jump out are “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Did she know what she was agreeing to? Did she know the scorn and ridicule she would suffer as an unwed mother? Did she know that people would hold that against her son as he grew up (John 8:41)? Did she know the pain she would experience when her son died a young man, an innocent man dying a criminal’s death?

I have no idea what she knew or thought at the time. She didn’t know either. However, as her spiritual father Abraham followed God wherever He led even if he didn’t know where it was going to be, she was willing to pursue whatever God had in store for her. Do we need to have this attitude as we read God’s word? “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” May we have the faith and trust that God’s way works. Whatever God has in store for us will be all right in the end, even if it leads through hard and difficult times.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for knowing me better than I know myself,
and for letting me know myself better than others know me. Help me to grow in grace, faith and discipleship.
Holy God I consider the things of my life that I keep hidden from others. Show me how I may lay down the obstacles of life that prevent me from drawing closer to you. Teach me your ways God. Amen

Readings
Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 1: 26-38, 2 Peter 3:8-15

Hymn/Song
Behold the Servant of the Lord

Prepare the Way of the Lord - 4 December

Reflection
A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD!

Prepare the Way of the Lord cries the forerunner John. Our God comes with power to save us. Each of us can name what it is we long to be saved from. There are things in our lives that distract us from the full relationship God longs for.
Today, let's imagine ourselves freer. Throughout the day, let's picture new ways of responding to challenging relationships, habitual sins, and other ruts we are in. This day can you picture what a difference you could make and what memory could be created for ourselves and others. We are God’s ambassadors land thus when people see us they expect to see God - do they? As we envision our freedom we can experience how much our God desires to save us.

Prayer
Almighty God, I hear it over and over: you are coming to me.
I feel my heart stir in anticipation, and I sense that you are inviting me to enter more deeply into the mystery of your birth.
Help me to feel renewed patience settle in my heart, and to lift my face in joy.
I have been like a lost lamb, but I hear your voice calling me and I feel how deeply you want me to return.
Somehow I know that you rejoice in my desire to find you.
Help me not to be afraid to say out loud, to believe:
Here is God, coming into my life.

Readings

Psalm 118:19-29;Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11;Luke 21:25-36

Hymn/Song
On Jordan's Bank

Do you believe I can do this? 3 December

Reflection
I just cannot believe it. What am I going to do?

The story of Mary and Elizabeth reflects the courage of a young girl who truly believes her faith and on that of an old woman who was blessed with the Holy Spirit, allowing her to see the purpose and the glory of her life. In our age, as the young sit at the feet of the old and reflect upon changing times, the young ask how they are to live in this age. We must be encouraged by the example of these two women who share their faith together and uphold one another in their time of promise. We reflect upon Mary and Elizabeth, and see that they are able to reach out and bless one another. Elizabeth reassures Mary in the power of their Lord, and the young girl also blesses her. How we must remember the importance of family and friends! We must look to one another to help us through our trials, which are before us every day.

Prayer
God of Strength,
I need your courage.
You offer to make firm the knees that are weak.
Only you know how frightened I so often am.
And you do offer me strength. There is the promise of your Son's coming and knowing that you will save me.
I can't do this on my own no matter how often I think I can.
Give me the humility to ask for your help and open heart to accept
your healing and love in my life. Amen

Readings
Psalm 72, Isaiah 11:1-9, Luke 1:39-45

Hymn/Song
My Jesus, My Saviour

Someone Great is Coming - 2 December

Reflection

Are you anticipating guests and the fellowship of friends during this holiday? Many of us are, but did not John the Baptist prophesy someone greater is coming? Many thought John the Baptist was someone he was not (the Messiah); likewise many think Santa Claus is someone he is not (the reason for Christmas).

When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today. When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the light in our hearts would replaced by the lights on our houses. It is a long time since A.D. 353 or even 1832. How long has it been since the greatness of it took centre stage during your Christmas festivities? As we approach December 25 again, we have another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all our celebration and excitement and the unfortunate commercialization which surround Christmas today, we need to consider that someone greater – Jesus Christ. Make Christ the centre of your Christmas.

Prayer

Holy God, I acknowledge my great need of you. When I think of the void my life would be without you it brings a sense of fear and trembling to my heart. But in that fear and trembling remind me that you are never far from me, even when I chosen different paths. Thank you for how much you love me. I thank you for your grace that called to me even before I recognised your voice. I am yours. Amen

Reading

Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-46, Philippians 2:1-11

Hymn/Song
Sing we the King who is coming to reign