Christmas

Prayer Guide Based on Love Incarnate | Alex Hardt | December 24, 2023
This week because of Christmas and New Years we thought this would be a good way to prepare our hearts.

INTRODUCTION
Begin by finding a quiet place to pray. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and invite the presence of God.

OPENING PRAYER
Glorious and Gracious God, we come before you in awe of the gift of Love Incarnate, your son, the embodiment of Your love among us. As we reflect on the narratives from Matthew and Luke, guide our hearts and minds to understand the depth of this love. May we learn from the example of Christ and embody that love in our lives. Amen.

Matthew 1:18-24 - The Birth of Jesus Christ
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

REFLECTION
Take a moment to reflect on Joseph's obedience and willingness to embrace the role God had chosen for him in the life of Jesus.

PRAYER POINTSGratitude: Thank God for the example of Mary and Joseph, who embraced the calling to care for Jesus despite the challenges and uncertainties.
Guidance: Ask for the wisdom and courage to recognize God's plan in your life, even when it might seem unconventional or challenging.
Surrender: Offer your life to God, just as Joseph surrendered to God's will, asking for the strength to follow faithfully.
Luke 2:10-11 - The Announcement to the Shepherds
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

REFLECTION
Reflect on the angel's proclamation of joy and the significance of the birth of Christ as the Savior.

PRAYER POINTS

Joy and Gratitude: Express gratitude for the immense joy brought by Christ's birth and for the salvation offered through Him.
Sharing God's Love: Pray for the ability to share this message of joy and salvation with those around you, just as the shepherds shared the good news.
Open Heart: Ask God to open your heart to receive His love more fully and to let that love overflow into the lives of others.

CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Love Incarnate in Jesus Christ. As we embrace the lessons from Joseph and the shepherds, may our lives reflect the depth of Your love in our actions, words, and thoughts. Help us to embody this love, sharing it with everyone we encounter. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Pastor Alex

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