Come Home for Christmas
Saturday and Sunday, December 23-24, 2006
My Prayer Today
Psalm 126
1 When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the LORD has done for them.”
3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Ponderings on the Psalms
Psalm 126 is another of the Psalms of Ascent written to be recited or sung as the Israelites traveled up the hill to the Temple for worship. As you read it notice the overwhelming tone of joy it contains. This Psalm recounts God’s amazing restoration of the people from exile. The Psalmist helps us to understand that God’s activity is not done only for those who are already his people, but also for “outsiders” as well. The “other nations” also noted the amazing things God did for them. As you read on, notice that the Psalmist calls on God to restore the people not only to the land, but also to restore their fortunes. He uses a wonderful analogy: “Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.” Having been in the desert after a rain, the analogy is, indeed, appropriate. After the rain, the plants seem revitalized. There is more activity among the wildlife, and everything seems more vibrant and alive. The Psalmist was calling on God to do that for His people once again. They had experience their share of sorrows, but now was time for God’s blessing once again.
All of us can relate with the content of this psalm, as we have all gone through difficult times—times of “exile.” Remember during such times that God is faithful to restore His people in every era, and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. As we go about this day, may that assurance give us renewed hope in this blessed season!
STOP HERE. Sunday’s Study Follows.
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this Christmas season! Thank You for this “Christmas Eve.” As I worship you today, may I recognize as if for the first time, the greatness of Your love and salvation for us that You would even send Yourself to this world, as a human infant! Thank You for not abandoning us as we abandoned You through our sin. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us and bring us new life. Amidst all the celebrations of Christmas today and tomorrow, I pray that my joy will be centered in You and You alone. Glorify Yourself in our worship today and always. Open our hearts to receive You once again as the Light and Life that overcomes the darkness and death of sin. This I pray in Jesus’ name and for the sake of His coming Kingdom. Amen.
Worship
Take time to encounter God. Lift up your heart to Him.
Take time to confess your sin to God. Write your thoughts here:
Take time to draw an “X” through your confessed sin. Your sin is forgiven … repent (don’t do it again!) and rejoice!
Shout for joy: “Jesus is Lord!” (This phrase was the first creed – statement of belief – of the church).
Read today’s Psalm again. As you read Psalm 124 again, remember God’s constant presence in our lives—day and night. Our God never slumbers or sleeps. Thank God for His greatness and His eternal watchfulness as you read the words.
My Space
MySpace.com is a growing presence on the World Wide Web. It’s billed as a “place for friends.”
At the end of each Sunday’s worship study, we will share space where you can jot down thoughts, prayer needs, insights that you want to share with your best friend – Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. You may want to use My Space as a journal and save it to refer back as you continue to walk with God … grow in faith … and reach out to serve in Jesus’ name.
As we approach Christmas 2006, take some time to write below the gifts God has given you in this past year, and the gifts for which you pray in the year ahead: