St Peters RC Church Hamilton

“Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus, Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7 v 25 NIV)

Lord Jesus, born at Christmas,

Speak to us by Your Spirit,

For He opens our eyes to look with faith.

Mary looked upon God’s plan

Announced by an angel, however unlikely,

Taking this to her heart to ponder in faith.

Joseph too, alerted in a dream

By an angel of revelation,

With faith’s loving dedication committed himself.

The welfare of mother and Baby were dependent

Upon God’s merciful provision and Joseph’s decision.

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118 v 22, 23)

The shepherds’ eyes of faith were opened

At an angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth.

Therefore they hurried to see the Baby for themselves.

Looking with the eyes of faith is essential.

Faith is beneficial offering us hope, peace and joy.

The worldwide fame of Christ Jesus is to be proclaimed,

He is to be claimed and named as the world’s Saviour.

Bethlehem being the God given prelude to the †at Calvary,

Jesus with us is love amongst us, our confidence.

He shows us how prayer is the answer to difficulty,

To any fear, worry or life deadening anxiety.

“God will care for you, for He has promised, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you, nor will I ever forsake you’.” (Hebrews 13 v 5 The Truth)

“We can respond to this with confidence by quoting another Scripture: ‘The Lord is my Helper, so I will not be afraid. What can man do to me, if God is for me’?” (Hebrews 13 v 6)

Please pray for an increase in faith, expressed in love, fidelity and true discipleship as we belong fully to the Lord as Master and Saviour, under the impact of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for us to better recognise God’s

loving plan for us, both in times of joy and sorrow. Please pray to draw closer and closer to the Lord Jesus, by the life giving, faith building Spirit. Amen.