Thank God for the good news of Jesus

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (which means God with us) Isaiah 7:14

Pray for our missionaries working with unreached people groups or with in places where the gospel is forbidden.

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

Pray for the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you today.

“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.” - Isaiah 11:2

What fears or worries do you have – entrust them to God today.

Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” - Luke 1:30-33

Pray for FoodBank and all the agencies working with the poor and needy. For provision, for volunteers and for the light of Jesus to shine

For 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him . John 3:16

Thank God that he is with us always with us.

The angel’s news fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and, will call him Immanuel.” - Isaiah 7:14       

Thank God for our leaders, our small groups, our church community

And do this, understanding the present time: the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light  Romans 13:11-12

Look outside/stand outside and give thanks to God the creator of heaven and earth

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7

Pray blessing on our own parents, on the parents in WCC.  

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’” Luke 1:41-42

Pray for peace in Ukraine, in Gaza & Israel – for all wars to cease.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

Rejoice that you are loved by God

Mary’s Song of Rejoicing “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” - Luke 1:47-48

Pray for the Hub project – for funding, for the builders, for the kingdom of God to come

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors,  that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty,  the Lord mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, you gates;  lift them up, you ancient doors,  that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty –  he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:7-10

God speaks to us in words and dreams by his Holy Spirit. What does he want to say to you today?

Zechariah’s Song: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, and to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” - Luke 1:76-79

Pray for our schools and colleges – the children and the teachers 

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” - Luke 2:6-7

Give thanks for God’s word of truth that brings health to our bodies and minds

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life,and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-3         

Pray for God to highlight someone you can reflect Jesus to this Christmas

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” - Luke 2:8-9

Pray for families -for good relationships and for those on their own this Christmas or those who have lost loved ones

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” / And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth John 1:14

Pray for those who are working throughout Christmas – the NHS, police, care workers

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.’” - Luke 2:10

Pray for those who don’t yet know Jesus –that they would encounter him this advent

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” - Luke 2:10-11

Pray for our street pastors

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12

Pray for those who need a healing touch from Jesus

Sing to the Lord a new song, or he has done marvellous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations… all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, Psalm 98: 1-4

Let’s thank and praise God and pray for our Carol Service this afternoon

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” - Luke 2:13-14

Take time today (even for a “hot second”)  to worship Jesus amidst the busy-ness

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem  and asked, ‘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  Matthew 2:1-2

Enjoy time in God’s presence and pray for the Carols at Kingsgrove  

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” - Matthew 2:10-11

Worship Christ the new born king!

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” - 2 Corinthians 9:15