December 23 Prayer

December 23 Prayer

As children when we come closer to Christmas our waiting starts to wane.
The day draws near and preparations are the focus.

As we wait...
What are you waiting for?

What have you been waiting for to happen?
Have you even given anytime to notice?

Where are your hopes placed as the day draws nearer for His arrival?

The prophet Malachi foretells of the Lords coming as a refiner's fire and as soap to purify his people.
Isaiah tells us that a child shall be born for us, a son will be given to us; and the government will be on His shoulders.” Is.9:6

He comes in a time when there are battles to be won, oppression and injustice to be exposed.
Much like the times we are living in today.

He comes with His kingdom of peace to establish justice, and sustain it with righteousness and peace forever.

Where does your hope rest this Christmas time?
Is it in resolving the problems we face?

All of our challenges and the world He takes upon His shoulders.

Rest a moment in this knowledge.
and offer your hopes to him now to pray;

‘Gracious and strong God, we await your coming this Christmas.
and as we wait we hope.
As we hope we surrender to your grace to work in us.
To purify our motives and cleanse our vision,
to burn away all that is of the world that is not lasting.

May our hearts rise up as a pleasing offering to you.
And may we receive your gift to us as a child being born anew.
Begin to birth within us a new hope for the future.

We ask for your holy wisdom to lead us as we pray for others and share this new hope for the year ahead.’

We turn our faces towards yours this day believing that, ‘yes, you are coming soon.’

Emmanuel,
Come , Lord Jesus!