Our Father we thank you for the message of Christmas. We thank you that the world in which we live with all its problems has a future of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Forgive us for our doubts and lack of trust in your word. As we study the great events of history, help us to recognise that your purposes are being realised.

 As we think of the promises given to David, the nation of Israel, and the message given to Mary, we thank you that there will be a day when Jesus will sit on David’s throne, when there were be worldwide peace and when the curse of sin on nature will be removed. We thank you that we have confidence of this restoration because of the reconciling power of the cross. May we truly remember these things at this Christmas time. Amen.