John 1:5
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’.

Gracious God, thank you for guiding us and strengthening us through the last year, a difficult year for so many different reasons. We thank you for the people who walked alongside us, who made a difference and witnessed to Your love for us. As we move into a new year, with the challenges the pandemic continues to bring, we ask that You help us to focus on You, upon the message of the Christ Child who came into our world to show that in the days ahead, You are with us, Emmanuel, God with us. We remember that this is the greatest gift of all, the gift of Your love that will sustain and support us. At the start of a new week, we lay our hopes, our dreams, and our concerns before You. May You assure us of Your presence at all times and in all places so that we may face the week with a sense of peace in our hearts, the peace that comes from being loved by You.
This morning, we remember especially all the staff, parents and children in our schools, amidst all the discussions and decisions being made around the education of our young people. We pray especially for Head Teachers, as they seek to lead and assure staff and parents within these unsettling times. We thank you for the commitment and vocation of all staff in our schools and ask that you give them courage and wisdom as they seek to offer the very best they can for the young people in their care. We place them all into the safekeeping of Your hands this day Lord, Amen.

Christmas Day
Luke 2:7
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord”.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be glory given
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord!
John Francis Wade (c1711-1786)

Isaiah 9:2
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned”.

Gracious God of wonder and mystery we wait in anticipation and expectation to celebrate the coming of Your Son, Jesus, into our world, Emmanuel, God with us. On the eve of this Holy Night, may we draw closer to the child who was born not into wealth and power, but into poverty and weakness. May we draw closer to the child who grew to be a man, who taught us to love one another, who taught us that all are valued in Your sight. Lord God, we thank you for the night in which love shone down. In the name of the child in the manger we pray, Amen.

1 John 4:9      NIV
” This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him”.

Gracious God, as we have scanned the skies to catch a glimpse of the alignment of the planets, to create a Christmas Star for 2020, we think back to the star that lit up the sky over 2,000 years ago. We give thanks for the star that heralded the arrival of Your Son, Jesus Christ, into our world, bringing an explosion of light and love into the dark places of our world. Lord God, we pray for an outpouring of Your light and Your love in our communities, once more, this Christmas time. We pray for light and love in dark places. May we look up to the skies and gaze in wonder and thanks for the truth symbolised in the gift of Jesus, the light of our world, Amen.

1 John 4:9      NIV
” This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him”.

Gracious God, as we continue to journey with Mary and Joseph, we think of all those for whom journeying is stressful today. We pray that haulage drivers, currently stranded on the road, will make it home safely for Christmas. So too, we pray for all those who were looking forward to journeying to family for Christmas, but who must now cancel their plans. As Christmas Day approaches Lord God, many people are experiencing disappointment and a sense of loss and so we pray for calm and peace and reassurance in our communities. Lord, we need hope at this time, the hope that gives us an assurance of Your presence with us. May the presence of Your love be felt in our homes and workplaces today, and this Christmas time, may our homes be filled with the message of the birth of the Christ Child who came into our world to bring us hope, peace and love. Amen.

Psalm 108:4
” For great is Your love, higher than the heavens, your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Gracious God, for many of us, Christmas will be a difficult time this year as we deal with the unexpected fall-out of recent events; separation from loved ones, financial concerns over the loss of income. As we journey towards Christmas Day, we journey with Mary and Joseph who embarked on an unexpected journey, leaving behind loved ones, uncertain of what they would find or where they would find shelter once they reached their destination, and yet, it was a journey that was made within the power of Your Love. As we lit our 4th Advent Candle  yesterday, we were reminded of Your great love for us, and of how You witnessed Your love to us in the sending of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us just how much we are loved. And so, in the coming days, as we make our final preparations to celebrate the birth of Your Son, may we continue to be assured of Your presence and Your love, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

John 15:10-12
” If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”.

Gracious God, we come before you today exactly one week before we will celebrate the birth of Your Son Jesus Christ, who came into our world over 2,000 years ago. This baby came to bring us a message of hope, of peace and love but, so too, a message of joy, the joy that comes from being in a living relationship with You through the gift of Your Son, and the joy of knowing that we have a creator God who loves and cares for us. We are never truly alone, Emmanuel, God is with us, You are with us. Lord God, we know that our Christmas festivities will not be the same this year and we are disappointed, frustrated and sad. But as we prepare for a very different Christmas in the week ahead, help us to keep a sense of hope, peace and joy in our hearts knowing that ultimately, Christmas is about love, love that was poured into our world that first Christmas Day so that we may experience what it really means to love and to be loved. In the name of Your Son, the baby in the manger, joy to the world, we give You thanks, Amen.

John 15:10-12
” If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”.

Gracious God, as Thursday dawns, we give thanks, with joy, once more for the amazing work of our NHS and all healthcare providers. Today especially, we give thanks that the vaccine has begun to be administered to the most vulnerable members in our community and so too we lift before You the ongoing work of the scientists, the pharmaceutical firms and all the NHS workers tasked with this huge logistical process. We pray that the vaccine will be delivered across our world and that the voices of poorer nations will be heard amidst all this.
So too today, we think of all those who are unwell for whatever reason and all those who will care for them. We pray for our ambulance service and our A & E departments, struggling to cope with the demands made upon them. We give thanks for their dedication and compassion shown, when dealing with the needs of others, in a crisis situation. Lord God, we pray for the healing power of Your Holy Spirit to sweep across our nation. May the power of your love and grace be experienced throughout our communities. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

John 15:10-12
” If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”.

Gracious God, this morning we give thanks for the mediums of music and drama, for the creativity of those who seek to entertain us in our theatres, concert halls, opera houses and entertainment venues. We thank You that music and drama have the power to move our emotions and bring us joy. Lord God, with news of the tightening once more of restrictions, we reflect upon the plight of all those working in the entertainment industry who have found themselves unable to work for many months now; actors, musicians, producers, dancers, set and costume designers, box office staff, all those who make live performances possible. Amidst the disappointment and the frustration, we acknowledge the financial concerns of freelance artists who find themselves without an income at this time. God of creativity, we ask for Your protection upon all those affected as a direct result of the pandemic. We pray that as a nation, we will find ways to preserve and support the Performing Arts industry and as communities, we will continue to support all those in need who find themselves without work, across all sectors of employment, this day. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

John 15:10-12
” If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”.

Gracious God, as we look at these knitted angels, boxed ready to be delivered to a local care home, we thank you for all those who have lovingly knitted them and the joy they will bring to those who receive them. And today Lord, we lift before You and give thanks for all the amazing people who ensure that our nursing and care homes are infiltrated with joy, even through this immensely challenging time; from carers, to cooks, to cleaners, to activity coordinators, to anyone who ensures that those in their care are loved and looked after with dignity and respect. And so too, we pray for all the residents and their families who have been deeply saddened at not being able to spend time with one another. We pray that whatever the regulations this Christmas time, Your love and presence will be felt in these communities and that there will be a sense of joy and peace as the birth of Your Son is celebrated. Finally Lord God, we give thanks for the joy of the production of a Covid 19 vaccine and pray that those most vulnerable in our society, and those who care for them, will be able to receive it soon. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Gracious God, at the start of Advent week 3, as we focus upon Joy, we are reminded of Your great commandment to us, that we must love one another, as You have loved us. Lord God, we know that there are many who will struggle to feel a sense of joy this Christmas for different reasons. We think especially of those who will grieve the loss of loved ones, those who will be in hospital, those who will lack the security of a warm home, those who are anxious for whatever reason. And yet, amidst all this you speak of joy, the joy that comes from an assurance of Your love, and You command us to care for one another, to let Your love be known and experienced in a very real way. And so, as we continue to journey through Advent, help us to remember Your words spoken to us and to reach out, in any way we can, to those in need of Your love this Christmas, and may we experience the reality of that love in our lives, so that we too may feel a sense of joy. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
Gracious God, that first Christmas, over 2,000 years ago, a child was born who brought hope into our world. He understood the things in our lives that destroy our sense of peace and as He grew to be a man, He sought ways to restore our relationship with You, and with one another. He taught us to build communities rooted in equality and justice, compassion and understanding, mutual respect and forgiveness. His name was Jesus and He is the Prince of Peace. Lord God, as we move into the third week of Advent, help us to make the space to prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, remembering the message of hope he brought, as we journey to the manger and seek to follow Him. In His name, the name of Jesus we pray, let there be peace. Amen.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
Gracious God, as we come to You in prayer this Thursday morning, we pray for a sense of peace for all our NHS workers as they continue to take care of the health of our nation. We know that our NHS is always under pressure, particularly in the winter months, but we appreciate that this year the challenges are even more difficult as they continue to deal with Covid 19, amidst all other health concerns, and now face the added pressure of the logistics of a vaccination programme. We continue to give grateful thanks for all our NHS workers and we pray for their physical and mental well-being. May the power of Your Holy Spirit give energy, assurance, comfort and a sense of peace to all those who will care for the needs of others this day and in the days to come.
So too Lord, as we see an increase in cases of Covid 19 in some of our local schools, we pray for all staff working to ensure our children are educated and cared for, amidst this challenging climate. We appreciate the anxiety felt by staff at this time and again, we give grateful thanks for their dedication to the nurturing of our children. We pray for a sense of peace and assurance within every staffroom, and within our schools.
God of peace, may the power of Your love be felt in our communities today. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, we take a moment to come before you and quieten and calm our thoughts. Help us to trust that you will walk with us, to help us deal with the matters of the day ahead. Please give us peace of mind and a sense of Your very being, assured of Your presence with us and Your love for us. In a moment of silence we turn our thoughts to You and we take our strength from You.
And now, Lord God, we lift before You anyone we are concerned about this day. As we utter their name upon our lips, we place them into the safety and security of Your hands. In Your name we pray, let there be peace. Amen.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
God of Grace, today we pray for all the places in our world where there is war or conflict, where people are denied peace. We think especially of families displaced from their homes, for children who cannot play in safety or attend school, for those who lack food and shelter, for communities who live in fear, for those who live with injury and those who grieve the loss of loved ones. We remember when Your Son, Jesus Christ said, ‘Blessed be the peacemakers’. And so we pray for all those seeking to bring peace into the lives of others, for those who seek to alleviate suffering and bring a resolution to conflicts. Lord God, where there is darkness, we ask that Your light will shine, where there is no peace, we pray that Your love will be revealed. In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace we pray, Amen.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
God of Grace, as we lit our second Advent Candle of peace yesterday, we lift before you this morning, all those, including ourselves, whose peace may be disrupted this week. We think about those who cannot settle for anxiety of financial concerns, those who cannot rest because of pain they are experiencing, those who cannot relax because of the presence of conflict in their homes, for those waiting for news of some sort who struggle to be patient, for those whose minds simply will not settle because of a worry that is gnawing away. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, You came into our world to give us an assurance of the peace of God which goes beyond our understanding. And so, for all those experiencing a lack of peace this week, we pray for Your assurance, we pray for Your compassion, but most of all we pray for the knowledge of Your presence alongside us in every situation. May the power of being loved by You bring peace into our lives in the days ahead, Amen.

Thanks to Helen Ince for these two acrostics about hope

Have

Only

Positive

Expectations

Hold

On

Pain

Ends

Thanks to Elizabeth Cumberlidge for this reflection

Read Matthew 1:18-23

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life John 3:16 (NIV)

At the beginning of Advent, I brought my nativity set of the attic to put on display and was sad to find that many of the figures were broken.  The angel had only half a wing, the shepherd was missing a hand, a wise man had no foot and the donkey had one lone ear.  Only baby Jesus was intact and appeared unharmed.  I’m not sure what happened, the figures were fine when I packed them away last January.

Initially I thought of purchasing a new nativity set.  Then I realised that maybe God had a message for me.  We are all broken people.  But God can accomplish great works through us.  When we repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness, God can give us new life despite our brokenness.  Jesus’ birth was all about bringing new life to the world.

I think that I will continue to display my imperfect nativity set as a reminder of God’s great love for me.  God loves us so much that Jesus came to take on the brokenness of this world by being born as a tiny baby.  Through Jesus’ willingness to live a human life, we have the hope of eternal life.  Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus into the world so that we can have eternal life. Amen

Thought for the day: Though I am broken, God loves me and can use me to accomplish great things.

Susan L. Stombaugh

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
Gracious God, as we come to the end of a week of reflections upon Hope, we remind ourselves of the Hope You promise us, the promise of eternal life in Your presence where nothing can separate us from Your love. Lord God, as we find ourselves in this time of challenge and insecurity, help us to have the faith to continue to believe and trust in Your promise. Creator God, there are many in our communities who for different reasons do not feel loved, valued or cared for. Help us to reach out the hand of friendship and compassion to those who need. So too Lord, give us the courage, the conviction and the creativity to let them know that You, our almighty creator God, loves them too. Give us the opportunity and enthusiasm to tell people about the birth of Your Son and how on the night that He was born, Love came into our world, Love was born. In the name of Jesus, the child in the manger, we pray, Amen.

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
Gracious God, on this first Thursday in Advent, as we reflect upon the hope of the birth of Jesus, we give thanks for the news of the vaccine, bringing a sense of real hope for the future, into our communities. We give thanks and pray for all those involved with this amazing breakthrough, for their continuing work, and for the huge and challenging process of setting up a vaccination programme. As we wait for this process to begin, we rejoice in this hope for things to come, but so too we pray for those known to us who will face their own very real challenges today; those dealing with the grief of loved ones, those undergoing treatments for health issues and those awaiting diagnosis. As we pin our hopes on a vaccine that will heal our nation, we lift before You all those in need of the touch of Your healing today, all those in need of Your love, Your compassion and the assurance of Your presence with them. In a moment of quiet we place those known personally to us, into Your hands.
Lord God, at this pivotal time for our nation, we ask for the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit upon our land, and we pray too for the needs of all nations seeking healing from the virus. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.