Epiphany

Happy New Year. We hope you had a blessed and joyful Christmas, safe in your homes. We start 2022 again unable to worship in church but we hope our online worship is here to lead and inspire.

Today is Epiphany when we celebrate a moment shortly after Christ’s birth, the visit of the far-travelled magi. This signifies the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

Alleluia, alleluia.
We have seen his star at its rising,
and have come to pay him homage.
Matthew 2.2

Opening Collect

O God,
who by the leading of a star
manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:
mercifully grant that we,
who know you now by faith,
may at last behold your glory face to face;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Opening Hymn

NEH 47 – As with gladness men of old

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH2SD23BT1E

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The Readings

Isaiah 60: 1-6
Ephesians 3: 1-12
Matthew 2: 1-12

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The Anthem

The three Kings – Peter Cornelius

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDJIh8YbaTU

The Intercessions

Heavenly Father, we as Christians the world over, have rejoiced in the yearly remembrance of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, celebrating in that birth, as it were a new beginning for man-kind, and the comfort and certainty which that faith brings, the knowledge that Your Holy Spirit is in us to guide our thoughts and actions; And we have celebrated too, with the world at large, the beginning of a new calendar year.

But the world has not the peace and assurance that we have, but is deeply troubled, struggling to understand what is happening, where it is going, a world experiencing political and social revolution everywhere, confronted with dramatic climate changes, and the continuing physical, psychological and economic challenges of Covid.
We see too the suppression of whole peoples in many lands, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Myanmar, and many others, with the total lack of human respect and love. Have pity on Your struggling creation Heavenly Father, confirm and strengthen our faith, and guide us as little children through the challenges ahead.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray particularly for all ministers in Your Church, throughout the world, grant them wisdom to discern Your will, that they may guide Your Church through the challenges and temptations of this materialistic and corrupt world, and protect the flocks in their care.
We continue to give particular thanks for the ministers with whom You have so richly blessed this Chaplaincy during the time of our interregnum. We pray You to bless Rev. Bruce Rienstra as he prepares to take up his work among us.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all rulers, all in a position of authority, leadership and example, give them a spirit of humility and service to the peoples under their stewardship. We pray for our sovereigns King William Alexander and his young family, and for Queen Elizabeth in her frailty as she approaches her 70th jubilee on the throne, bless them with wisdom to know what You require of them in the changing cultures around them.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all in distress at this time,
for the oppressed and refugees;
for all sick and suffering, the depressed, the bereaved, and those struggling with their faith;
particularly for those of our own congregation, for those on our Chaplaincy Prayer List;
and those for whom we personally wish to pray …..
Comfort, O God, all in distress, relieve them from their suffering if it be Your will,
and lift them up in Your everlasting arms;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the souls of the faithful departed this life in the faith of Christ,
particularly for Angela and for Huib – may they rest in Your peace until the day of the resurrection.
Heavenly Father, You have promised to provide light in the darkness for those who trust in You:
Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what You would have us do,
the humility to listen to Your Holy Spirit, and Your light to guide our footsteps that we may not stumble;
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen

Final Hymn

NEH 27: How brightly beams the morning star

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgXi9bPe

Closing Prayers

Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come!
Darkness covers the earth and its people,
but the radiance of God’s Light
burns away its shadows,
illuminates the smallest corner,
and heralds in the start
of a new dawn,
where hearts no longer fear,
souls might be set free,
and sister shall follow brother,
nation shall follow nation,
and kings and princes bow down in awe
before the one who comes to reign.
Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come!

Alleluia! Amen.

Father God, the star that led the Magi to the stable announced to the world that its Saviour was born. Today we live in a world that is still covered by darkness, and still needing to make that journey to the stable door. May our lives reflect your light day by day, as we seek to serve where you have placed us. That we might be the means through which others can encounter Jesus Christ. Amen

Christ our King make you faithful and strong to do his will, that you may reign with him in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Closing Prayers from https://www.faithandworship.com