Prelude Silent Night arr for Piano/Organ by Bruce Carlson
Sentence of the Day:
We have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him
Matthew 2.2
Gathering Hymn Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
Twas in the moon of wintertime, when all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim, and wandering hunters heard the hymn:
Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round.
But as the hunter braves drew nigh, the angel song ran loud and high:
Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt with gift of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
O children of the forest free, beloved of Manitou,
The holy child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
Come, kneel before the radian boy, who brings you beauty, peace and joy:
Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
Gathering of the Community
A new day has dawned, a new year begun
O Lord, call us so we may hear Your voice
The world turns to hopes and dreams of the future
O Lord, keep us in Your ways and on Your path
We enter this new year with hope and excitement
O Lord, remind us that You lead us
O Lord, guide us as look to You, and worship You. Amen.
Prayer of the Day (together) (inspired by Matthew 2:1-12)
Dear Jesus, as You led the Magi to You by the light of a star, please draw us ever closer to You by the light of faith. Help us to desire You as ardently as they did. Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from You. May we, like them, have something to give You when we appear before You. Amen.
Canticle: Gloria
Glorious are you, Mystery of Life,
essence of all creation.
You are the symphony of stars and planets.
You are the music of the atoms within us.
You are the dawn on mountain peaks,
the moonlight on evening seas.
Forest and farm, the rush of the city,
everything is embraced in your love.
We rejoice as we sing our gratitude.
Glorious are you, O Jesus Christ,
Cosmic love in human flesh.
You graced the smallness of time and place
to teach us to dance to the music.
You walk on our seas and heal in our streets.
You make your home in our lives,
revealing that cross and resurrection
are one on the road to freedom.
We rejoice as we sing our gratitude.
Glorious are you, O Spirit of Truth,
wisdom and breath of our being.
You are the wind that sweeps our senses.
You are the fire that burns in our hearts.
You are the needle of the inner compass,
always pointing to true North,
guiding us on the sacred dance
into the Mystery of Life.
We rejoice as we sing our gratitude.
A reading from the prophet Isaiah (60:1-6)
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Listen for the Leading of the Spirit R: Thanks be to God
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son.
May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.
All nations will serve him.
May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.
In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
All nations will serve him.
May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute,
may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
All nations will serve him.
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight.
All nations will serve him.
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians (3:1-12)
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
Listen for the Leading of the Spirit R: Thanks be to God
Gradual Hymn There’s a New Kid in Town
We’re looking for the king, the new Messiah.
We’re following the star, shining brighter.
Old man, won’t you help us if you can?
He shook his head but he pointed his hand.
Chorus
There’s a new kid in town, and He’s lying in a manger down the road.
There’s a new kid in town, but He’s just another baby, I suppose.
Heaven knows there’s a new kid in town, here in Bethlehem.
I see you’ve traveled far bearing treasures.
You say these gifts are for the new King’s pleasures.
I’ve heard that a King might come, but up til now there hasn’t been one. Chorus
There’s a new kid in town, and He’s lying in a manger down the road.
There’s a new kid in town, but He’s just another baby, I suppose.
Heaven knows there’s a new kid in town, here in Bethlehem. Chorus
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew (2:1-12)
R: Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
The Gospel of Christ R: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Homily
Offering Hymn Wexford Carol
Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind,
What our good God for us has done,
In sending This beloved Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas day;
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blessed Messiah born.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God’s angels did appear,
Which put the shepherds in great fear.
“Prepare and go,” the angels said.
“To Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you’ll find, this happy morn,
A Princely Babe, sweet Jesus born.
With thankful heart and joyful mind,
The shepherds went the Babe to find,
And as God’s angels had foretold,
They did our Saviour Christ behold.
Within a manger he was laid,
And by His side the lowly maid,
Attending on the Lord of life,
Who came on earth to end all strife.
Prayer of Commitment for Epiphany
God of revelation and epiphany—
Through the words of the prophets
You have shown us the world of your dreaming and longing:
A world built on justice, overflowing with plenty, and crowned with joy.
And through the coming of Emmanuel –
his living and loving, his words and actions—
you have shown us how such a world might be fashioned.
Help us to take, hold and grow into these understandings;
and, like Jesus, may we always be ready
to live generously, love expansively, speak boldly and act courageously,
that the Kingdom of your dreaming, with its justice, abundance and joy,
may become the present reality of all the peoples of this world.
Intercessions and Thanksgivings
Bright Star, Holy One Hear our prayer.
From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
Be with those who suffer, struggle, cry out, weep, are in pain of heart or soul or mind. From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
Fill the hearts of leaders, nations, cities, and faith communities with wisdom and grace may the glory of God arise! From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
Lead our leaders in your way, your hope your love and your peace enlighten the pathways with the Glory of God, arise! From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
laugh with those who laugh this day, lift up our joys, our hope is found in You, May the Glory of God arise. From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
help us in all we do, and say, and are to be your love shining forth – may the glory of God arise. From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One hear our prayer. Amen.
Collect of the Day together
Eternal God, who by a star led wise men to the worship of your Son. Guide by your light the nations of the earth, that the whole world may know your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn What Child is This? featuring Amalia Hickerson
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus
This, this is Christ the king, who shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Chorus
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. Chorus
The Dismissal (inspired by Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18-19)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon us! We have been called, we have been anointed; we have been given a task.
So let us go out from this place into the mission field that is the world.
We go carrying Good News to the world: news about freedom from oppression and healing for the afflicted.
The time of the Lord's favour is now! Thanks be to God, Hallelujah! Amen.
Post: Set the Sun Dancing
Set the sun dancing! New life has begun!
Star you must fade, for your journey is done;
New Year rides onward now, Christmas is gone,
Carry the light with us as we move on,
Chorus
For the light that is shining is our light to hold,
Facing, embracing the darkness and cold,
Light that’s not hidden where Good News is told:
The hold that is born with Christ Jesus!
Wise men with riches of knowledge and thought
Found greater treasure than ever they brought,
Rose from their knees and were clothed in this light-
New understanding of power and right, Chorus
We are the company, foolish and wise,
Rich in a faith that all reason defies,
Crossing the borders of culture and race,
Leading by lifestyle, forgiveness and grace. Chorus
Peace is not born at the end of a gun,
Peace is a family gathered as one,
Here is Epiphany, wrapped in a shawl,
Christ who is Light, who is wiser than all, Chorus
A new day has dawned, a new year begun
O Lord, call us so we may hear Your voice
The world turns to hopes and dreams of the future
O Lord, keep us in Your ways and on Your path
We enter this new year with hope and excitement
O Lord, remind us that You lead us
O Lord, guide us as look to You, and worship You. Amen.
written by Rev. Mindi and posted on her Rev-o-lution blog.
Dear Jesus, as You led the Magi to You by the light of a star, please draw us ever closer to You by the light of faith. Help us to desire You as ardently as they did. Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from You. May we, like them, have something to give You when we appear before You. Amen.
Canticle: Gloria
Glorious are you, Mystery of Life,
essence of all creation.
You are the symphony of stars and planets.
You are the music of the atoms within us.
You are the dawn on mountain peaks,
the moonlight on evening seas.
Forest and farm, the rush of the city,
everything is embraced in your love.
We rejoice as we sing our gratitude.
Glorious are you, O Jesus Christ,
Cosmic love in human flesh.
You graced the smallness of time and place
to teach us to dance to the music.
You walk on our seas and heal in our streets.
You make your home in our lives,
revealing that cross and resurrection
are one on the road to freedom.
We rejoice as we sing our gratitude.
Glorious are you, O Spirit of Truth,
wisdom and breath of our being.
You are the wind that sweeps our senses.
You are the fire that burns in our hearts.
You are the needle of the inner compass,
always pointing to true North,
guiding us on the sacred dance
into the Mystery of Life.
We rejoice as we sing our gratitude.
— written by Joy Cowley, and posted on the Liturgy that Works website.
A reading from the prophet Isaiah (60:1-6)
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Listen for the Leading of the Spirit R: Thanks be to God
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son.
May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.
All nations will serve him.
May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.
In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
All nations will serve him.
May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute,
may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
All nations will serve him.
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight.
All nations will serve him.
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians (3:1-12)
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
Listen for the Leading of the Spirit R: Thanks be to God
Gradual Hymn There’s a New Kid in Town
We’re looking for the king, the new Messiah.
We’re following the star, shining brighter.
Old man, won’t you help us if you can?
He shook his head but he pointed his hand.
Chorus
There’s a new kid in town, and He’s lying in a manger down the road.
There’s a new kid in town, but He’s just another baby, I suppose.
Heaven knows there’s a new kid in town, here in Bethlehem.
I see you’ve traveled far bearing treasures.
You say these gifts are for the new King’s pleasures.
I’ve heard that a King might come, but up til now there hasn’t been one. Chorus
There’s a new kid in town, and He’s lying in a manger down the road.
There’s a new kid in town, but He’s just another baby, I suppose.
Heaven knows there’s a new kid in town, here in Bethlehem. Chorus
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew (2:1-12)
R: Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
The Gospel of Christ R: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Homily
Offering Hymn Wexford Carol
Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind,
What our good God for us has done,
In sending This beloved Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas day;
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blessed Messiah born.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God’s angels did appear,
Which put the shepherds in great fear.
“Prepare and go,” the angels said.
“To Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you’ll find, this happy morn,
A Princely Babe, sweet Jesus born.
With thankful heart and joyful mind,
The shepherds went the Babe to find,
And as God’s angels had foretold,
They did our Saviour Christ behold.
Within a manger he was laid,
And by His side the lowly maid,
Attending on the Lord of life,
Who came on earth to end all strife.
Prayer of Commitment for Epiphany
God of revelation and epiphany—
Through the words of the prophets
You have shown us the world of your dreaming and longing:
A world built on justice, overflowing with plenty, and crowned with joy.
And through the coming of Emmanuel –
his living and loving, his words and actions—
you have shown us how such a world might be fashioned.
Help us to take, hold and grow into these understandings;
and, like Jesus, may we always be ready
to live generously, love expansively, speak boldly and act courageously,
that the Kingdom of your dreaming, with its justice, abundance and joy,
may become the present reality of all the peoples of this world.
~ originally posted on the Monthly Prayers (now Weekly Worship) page of the Christian Aid website
Intercessions and Thanksgivings
Bright Star, Holy One Hear our prayer.
From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
Be with those who suffer, struggle, cry out, weep, are in pain of heart or soul or mind. From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
Fill the hearts of leaders, nations, cities, and faith communities with wisdom and grace may the glory of God arise! From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
Lead our leaders in your way, your hope your love and your peace enlighten the pathways with the Glory of God, arise! From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
laugh with those who laugh this day, lift up our joys, our hope is found in You, May the Glory of God arise. From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One
help us in all we do, and say, and are to be your love shining forth – may the glory of God arise. From the darkness may the glory of God arise!
Bright Star, Holy One hear our prayer. Amen.
~ written by Terri and posted on RevGalBlogPal’s A Place for Prayer.
Collect of the Day together
Eternal God, who by a star led wise men to the worship of your Son. Guide by your light the nations of the earth, that the whole world may know your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn What Child is This? featuring Amalia Hickerson
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus
This, this is Christ the king, who shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Chorus
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. Chorus
The Dismissal (inspired by Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18-19)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon us! We have been called, we have been anointed; we have been given a task.
So let us go out from this place into the mission field that is the world.
We go carrying Good News to the world: news about freedom from oppression and healing for the afflicted.
The time of the Lord's favour is now! Thanks be to God, Hallelujah! Amen.
~ posted by Rev Gord on his blog, Worship Offerings.
Post: Set the Sun Dancing
Set the sun dancing! New life has begun!
Star you must fade, for your journey is done;
New Year rides onward now, Christmas is gone,
Carry the light with us as we move on,
Chorus
For the light that is shining is our light to hold,
Facing, embracing the darkness and cold,
Light that’s not hidden where Good News is told:
The hold that is born with Christ Jesus!
Wise men with riches of knowledge and thought
Found greater treasure than ever they brought,
Rose from their knees and were clothed in this light-
New understanding of power and right, Chorus
We are the company, foolish and wise,
Rich in a faith that all reason defies,
Crossing the borders of culture and race,
Leading by lifestyle, forgiveness and grace. Chorus
Peace is not born at the end of a gun,
Peace is a family gathered as one,
Here is Epiphany, wrapped in a shawl,
Christ who is Light, who is wiser than all, Chorus
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