Daily Worship

The gift of joy

Alec Shuttleworth December 21, 2015 0 0

Luke 2:1

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

This week’s prayers and short meditations are based on what are arguably the best known seven verses in the Bible, in the language in which most of us still first hear them. We are in the season of Joy, Joy to the world! The Lord is come Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing.  These bible verses if they are given more than a cursory glance, if they are read carefully one by one, challenge us to “Rejoice always” (1st Thess 5:16)


The first name in the Luke account of the birth of Christ the King, is that of the Roman Emperor. The Roman Empire, the earthly dominion, is the background to all of his ministry, the enemy he told his first followers to love. It is the Romans who eventually will crucify him.

Dear Jesus
We rejoice because through you
Earthly power is revealed
For what it is
Anxious, 
nervous
Taxing
Ruling by decree
Mortal
Frail
Limited

Dear Jesus
We rejoice because through you
Heavenly power is revealed
For what it is
Assured
Unwavering
Rewarding
Divine
Strong
Eternal