Heavenly Father, thank You that, just as in the times of Mary and Joseph, Your plans and purposes for mankind cannot be thwarted by Satan’s evil manipulation, nor obstructed by the work of evil men and their corrupt governments. And even through today, the nations conspire against Your people (Israel), rage against Your Body (the Church), and seek to break free from God’s ultimate, sovereign authority, I praise and thank You that You remain in ultimate control, and that the day is coming when You will break the nations with a rod of iron and dash them to pieces like pottery. Until then, I pray that You will use me to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, how I praise and thank You for Your amazing plan of redemption and the precision timing and interlinking events that caused the Lord Jesus to be born in Bethlehem so that the words that were spoken by prophets of old would be carried out perfectly, for Your greater glory. Open my eyes to see glorious things in your Word so that the familiar story of Christ's birth in Bethlehem becomes increasingly thrilling to my soul as I see Your supernatural hand working tirelessly in the natural world and spiritual sphere. Praise Your holy name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, how we praise and thank You for the way that You blend the plans of men and the schemes of Satan to fulfil Your perfect plan of redemption for the children of men. Thank You, that there is nothing that can happen in the world today that You cannot use to perfect Your plans and purposes. Help me to keep my eyes on You and trust You in all things, knowing that when the enemy comes in like a flood, You will lift up a standard against him and use it for good. Thank You in Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You in Jesus' name for purposing to redeem mankind, by sending Him to be born in Bethlehem of Judea on that astonishing night, while shepherds watched their flocks. Thank You for the good news of great joy, which is for all people who trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Thank You that You did not leave us dead in our sins, but purposed from the foundation of the world, to give Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God, Who would take away the sin of the world and become the good Shepherd of the sheep, for all who would trust in His holy name. Thank You that in Christ I have nothing to fear and everything for which to be thankful. Thank You in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, when I consider the many pointers that the religious leaders were given, it seems astonishing that they missed the truth of Christ's coming. Keep me from missing the truths that are contained within Your Word through my own pride or biased opinions. Keep me low at the Cross, broken before You, and teachable in heart and soul. Thank You for the clarity of the gospel of grace and for the many biblical proofs and prophecies that point us to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah and Saviour of the world, and that by faith in His Person and work, I have been forgiven of my sin and received eternal life, not only in this age but in the ages to come. Thank You in Jesus' name. AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You that I have peace with God, and as Your born-again child, that I have received Your goodwill and grace, not only in this age but in the ages to come. Thank You that because I am positioned in Christ and clothed in His righteousness, I am identified with Him, have found favour in Your sight, and the peace of God in my heart. I know that without Jesus there is nothing I could have done to warrant peace with You, for I acknowledge that I am a sinner, deserving of death - but glory to God in the highest, that peace has been granted to men with whom You are pleased. Praise Your holy name that both peace with God and the peace of God, is available to who place their faith in the only begotten Son of God, in Whose name I pray, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful example of Simeon, the godly old man who was given the beautiful promise that he would not see death until he had seen Jesus, the promised Messiah and Saviour of the world. May I demonstrate the same devotion to You as Simeon, as I look in eager expectation for Jesus’ any day return. Teach me Your way, illuminate my heart, guide me into all truth, and align my thoughts to Your thoughts so that my life may honour You. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful Psalm of praise that fell from the lips of old Simeon when he saw the baby Jesus, took Him in his arms, and praised God for His goodness, grace, and faithfulness. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the whole world. I pray that I may develop a similar faith to Simeon who lived by faith, trusted Your Word, and waited expectantly for You to fulfil all that You promised. Thank You that Your Word is altogether true and stands fast forever and ever. And thank You for Your promises to Me, that one day I will see Jesus and be made like unto Him, for Your greater glory. Praise Your holy name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful witness of this life of Simeon who demonstrated a childlike trust in You and expected Your Word to be fulfilled to the letter. Thank You that Jesus is that Light to the Gentiles and thank You that the light of His love and forgiveness has shone into my heart so that I am saved by grace through faith in Him. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, I scarce can comprehend that God the Son would lay aside His heavenly glory and be willing to come to earth, be born as a little baby, and live a perfect life, so that He could die a sacrificial death for the sin of the world. Thank You for His wonderful example of obedience to You and thank You that He demonstrated to us how to live a life that was totally dependent on You. I pray that like the Lord Jesus, I would grow in grace and increase in wisdom and understanding, for Your praise and glory. I pray that I would learn to say, without hesitation, "In all things, Thy will not mine be done." This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.