The saying ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ is probably a little strong for most people’s approach to carol services, but I confess to having a certain preconception about what I’m going to hear and sing and read. And that’s to be expected – each year we celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth through praising God with the same amazing biblical passages and lovely carols.

However, what small (I think…) measure of complacency that I had allowed to creep over me, was blown away when one of our ministers read a verse from Proverbs:

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

(Proverbs 21:1 ESV)

Jonathan was speaking about how empires and governments, kings and prime ministers, are subject to God’s direction, and how that the prophecy of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem was fulfilled through the calling of an imperial census. Ceasar, knowingly or not, was directed to do God’s will. How truly awesome!

We may not have a King (or Queen) exercising authority over us today (although sometimes I do feel she might do a better job), but the point stands: that God’s will can turn our leaders in what ever direction He chooses. I’m praying that he does so in a number of ways, but I’m also praying that our leaders will themselves turn to God, and consciously seek to do His will.