All Hallows Morning and Evening Prayer for Sunday (January 8, 2023)
The orders of service for this Sunday's Morning and Evening Prayer come from the orders of service for the Divine Office in the Anglican Church of Canada’s The Book of Alternative Services (1985).
Morning Prayer begins at the top of the page. Scroll down the page for the beginning of Evening Prayer.
The Feast of the Epiphany
Morning Prayer
The Penitential Rite
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found, call upon him when he draws near; let the wicked forsake their ways, and the evil ones their thoughts; and let them return to the Lord, and he will have compassion, and to our God, for he will richly pardon. Isaiah 55.6, 7
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbour.
Silence is kept.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us,
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy upon us,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,
and keep us in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Silence is kept.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us,
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy upon us,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,
and keep us in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Invitatory
Open this link in a new tab to hear The Psalter, 1912’s metrical paraphrase of the Venite, “O Come and Sing to God the Lord.”
1 O come and sing to God, the Lord,
To him our voices raise;
Let us in our most joyful songs,
The Lord, our Savior praise.
2 Before his presence let us come
With praise and thankful voice;
Let us sing psalms to him with joy,
With grateful hearts rejoice.
3 He is a great and mighty king,
Above all gods his throne;
The depths of earth are in his hand,
The mountains are his own.
4 To him the spacious sea belongs,
He made its waves and tides;
And by his hand the rising land
Was formed and still abides.
5 O come, and bowing down to him
Our worship let us bring;
Yes, let us kneel before the Lord,
Our Maker and our King.
The Psalms
Open this link in a new tab to ear Michael Joncas’ responsorial setting of Psalm 63, “My Soul Is Thirsting.”
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God whom I seek;
O God, you are my God whom I seek
for you my flesh pines, my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless without water.
O God, you are my God whom I seek
for you my flesh pines, my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless without water.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus have I gazed toward you in your holy place
to see your power and your glory.
Your kindness is a greater good than life itself;
my lips will glorify you.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands,
I will call upon your name.
As with a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
For you have been my help, you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you; your right hand holds me firm;
in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Silence is kept.
To you we come, radiant Lord,
the goal of all our desiring,
beyond all earthly beauty;
gentle protector, strong deliverer,
in the night you are our confidence;
from first light be our joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Omer Westendorf’s “Praise God in His Holy Dwelling,” based on Psalm 150: 1-6.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
1 Praise God in his holy dwelling.
Praise him on his mighty throne
Praise him for his wonderful deeds
Praise him for his sovereign majesty!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 Praise him with the blast of trumpet;
Praise him now with lyre and harp;
Praise him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise him with the sound of string and reed.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Praise him with resounding cymbals;
With cymbals that crash give praise;
O let ev’rything that has breath,
Let all living creatures praise the Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, the almighty Father;
Praise Christ, his beloved Son;
Give praise to the Spirit of love;
Forever the triune God be praised.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Silence is kept.
God of life and love,
whose Son was victorious over sin and death,
make us alive with his life,
that the whole world may resound with your praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
The Readings
A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 60: 1-6)
“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see.
For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.
Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth,
but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.
All nations will come to your light;
mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
“Look and see, for everyone is coming home!
Your sons are coming from distant lands;
your little daughters will be carried home.
Your eyes will shine,
and your heart will thrill with joy,
for merchants from around the world will come to you.
They will bring you the wealth of many lands.
Vast caravans of camels will converge on you,
the camels of Midian and Ephah.
The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense
and will come worshiping the Lord.
Silence may follow the reading
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Carl P. Daw Jr.’s paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Blessed Be the God of Israel.”
Blessed be the God of Israel
who comes to set us free
and raises up new hope for us:
a Branch from David's tree.
So have the prophets long declared
that with a mighty arm
God would turn back our enemies
and all who wish us harm.
With promised mercy will God still
the covenant recall,
the oath once sworn to Abraham,
from foes to save us all;
that we might worship without fear
and offer lives of praise,
in holiness and righteousness
to serve God all our days.
My child, as prophet of the Lord,
you will prepare the way,
to tell God's people they are saved
from sin's eternal sway.
Then shall God's mercy from on high
shine forth and never cease
to drive away the gloom of death
and lead us into peace.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matthew 2: 1-12)
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Silence may follow the reading
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s paraphrase of the Te Deum laudamus, “God, We Praise You! God, We Bless You!”
1 God, we praise you! God, we bless you!
God, we name you sovereign Lord!
Mighty King whom angels worship,
Father, by your church adored:
all creation shows your glory,
heaven and earth draw near your throne
singing 'Holy, holy, holy,
Lord of hosts, and God alone!'
2 True apostles, faithful prophets,
saints who set their world ablaze,
martyrs, once unknown, unheeded,
join one growing song of praise,
while your church on earth confesses
one majestic Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God, our hope eternally.
3 Jesus Christ, the King of glory,
everlasting Son of God,
humble was your virgin mother,
hard the lonely path you trod:
by your cross is sin defeated,
hell confronted face to face,
heaven opened to believers,
sinners justified by grace.
4 Christ, at God's right hand victorious,
you will judge the world you made;
Lord, in mercy help your servants
for whose freedom you have paid:
raise us up from dust to glory,
guard us from all sin today;
King enthroned above all praises,
save your people, God, we pray.
King enthroned above all praises,
save your people, God, we pray.
Homily
In ancient times it was not unusual to search the heavens for signs and portents of future events. Astrology was practiced by the Babylonians and the Chaldeans and even earlier people of the ancient Mid-East. In ancient times the position of the sun, the moons, and the stars in the heavens were also used calculate the right time to plant crops and to determine favorable times to celebrate a wedding, begin a military campaign, embark on a journey, or to undertake a building project.
What is unusual is the importance that the wisemen gave to the birth of a new king of the Jews and their decision to travel an unknown distance to worship the newborn king. We have no idea what the birth of that king signified to them.
The news of their arrival and the purpose of their quest would certainly have been disturbing to Herod the Great who was the ruler of Judea. Herod had a Idumean father and a Nabatean mother and he was ethnically an Arab on both sides of his family. His ancestors, however, had converted to Judaism and he has been raised as a Jew. He was a client king of the Romans, having been appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate. Herod lived a turbulent time and faced a number of threats to his throne. He would not have welcomed any reports of the birth of a new king of the Jews.
It is significant that when he convened a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of the religious law that he asked them where the Messiah was supposed to be born.
Why is the visit of the wisemen to the infant Jesus sufficiently important as to merit our attention? It was a result of their quest for the newborn king whose star they had seen rising in the heavens, which first revealed Jesus to the world. News of his birth had up to that point been confined to the shepherds, Joseph and Mary’s relatives, and the inhabitants of Bethlehem.
The wisemen were also the first Gentiles, non-Jews, with whom Jesus would have contact and who would pay him homage. Something far greater than what the Jews had expected with the appearance of the Messiah was beginning to unfold. The visit of the wisemen to the infant Jesus was one of those momentous events which we do not realize how momentous it is until much later. A star may have prompted the wisemen to set out on their journey. A star may have guided them on the way. A star may have lead them to the house where the holy family were living. However, their undertaking what may a long and arduous journey to worship an infant could have only been God’s doing. God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, had been working in their lives and set their feet upon the road to Bethlehem.
God’s grace works in our lives in the same way. He draws us to Jesus just like he drew the wisemen to Jesus. They were the first Gentiles to bow down and worship him who is the King of heaven and earth. It is now our turn to pay him homage and offer him the greatest gift we can give him—ourselves.
Silence is kept.
Affirmation of Faith
Hear, O Israel,
the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it:
Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.
The Intercessions and Thanksgivings
The leader or another participant leads the prayers, using the following form.
(Let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”)
Let us ask the Lord for a day of fulfilment and peace.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to teach us to love others as he has loved us.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord for justice and peace in the world.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to strengthen and relieve those who are in need.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to renew the Church through the power of his life-giving Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence or aloud.
The Collect
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
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Southern Harmony’s version of Reginald Hebert’s “Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning.”
1 Hail, the blest morn, see the great Mediator,
Down from the region of glory descend!
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
Lo for his guard the bright angels attend.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
2 Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies his bed, with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore him in slumbers reclining,
Wise men and shepherds before him do fall.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
3 Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Eden, and offerings divine,
Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
4 Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gold we his favour secure.
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration:
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May God bless and keep us. Amen.
May God’s face ever shine upon us. Amen.
May God grant us peace for all our days. Amen.
Evening Prayer
The Service of the Light
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
A light no darkness can extinguish.
Open this link in a new tab to hear David Sims’ arrangement of Sylvia Dunstan’s paraphrase of the Phos Hilaron, “O Laughing Light, First-Born of Creation.”
O laughing light, O First-born of creation,
Radiance of glory, light from light begotten,
God self-revealing, holy, bright and blessed:
You shine upon us.
Day’s light is fleeting; your light is eternal.
We look to you, our light within the shadow.
We sing to you, Creator, Christ, and Spirit;
You shine before us.
Light of the world, O Jesus Christ, we bless you!
Giver of life and Child of God, we praise you!
Hear as the universe proclaims your glory!
You shine among us.
You shine among us.
Thanksgiving
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
our eternal Father and David’s king.
You have made our gladness greater and increased our joy
by sending to dwell among us
the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace.
Born of Mary,
proclaimed to the shepherds,
and acknowledged to the ends of the earth,
your unconquered Sun of righteousness
destroys our darkness and establishes us in freedom.
All glory in the highest be to you,
through Christ, the Son of your favour,
in the anointing love of his Spirit,
this night and for ever and ever. Amen.
The Psalms
Open this link in a new tab to hear Andrea Sandefur’s setting of Psalm 134, “Come, All Your Servants of the Lord.”
Come all you servants of the Lord (bless the Lord)
Who stand by night in the house of the Lord
Come all you servants of the Lord (bless the Lord)
Who stand by night in the house of the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord, bless the Lord
May the Lord bless you from Zion
He who made heaven and earth (heaven and earth)
May the Lord bless you from Zion
He who made heaven and earth (heaven and earth)
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord, bless the Lord
Silence is kept.
Guard all your household, Lord,
through the dark night of faith,
and purify the hearts of those who wait on you,
until your kingdom dawns with the
rising of your Son,
Christ, the morning star.
Praise to you our God;
You answer prayer. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s responsorial setting of Psalm 113, “Blessed Be the Name.”
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!
May the name of the LORD be blest
both now and forevermore!
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
praised be the name of the LORD!
High above all nations is the LORD,
above the heavens his glory.
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
Who is like the LORD, our God,
who dwells on high,
who lowers himself to look down
upon heaven and earth?
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
From the dust he lifts up the lowly,
from the ash heap he raises the poor,
to set them in the company of princes,
yes, with the princes of his people.
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
Silence is kept.
Lord Jesus,
surrendering the brightness of your glory,
you became mortal
so that we might be raised from the dust
to share your very being.
May the children of God always bless your name
from the rising of the sun to its going down,
for you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever.
Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus have I gazed toward you in your holy place
to see your power and your glory.
Your kindness is a greater good than life itself;
my lips will glorify you.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands,
I will call upon your name.
As with a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
For you have been my help, you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you; your right hand holds me firm;
in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul is thirsting, my soul is thirsting,
my soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Silence is kept.
To you we come, radiant Lord,
the goal of all our desiring,
beyond all earthly beauty;
gentle protector, strong deliverer,
in the night you are our confidence;
from first light be our joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Omer Westendorf’s “Praise God in His Holy Dwelling,” based on Psalm 150: 1-6.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
1 Praise God in his holy dwelling.
Praise him on his mighty throne
Praise him for his wonderful deeds
Praise him for his sovereign majesty!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 Praise him with the blast of trumpet;
Praise him now with lyre and harp;
Praise him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise him with the sound of string and reed.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Praise him with resounding cymbals;
With cymbals that crash give praise;
O let ev’rything that has breath,
Let all living creatures praise the Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, the almighty Father;
Praise Christ, his beloved Son;
Give praise to the Spirit of love;
Forever the triune God be praised.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Silence is kept.
God of life and love,
whose Son was victorious over sin and death,
make us alive with his life,
that the whole world may resound with your praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
The Readings
A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 60: 1-6)
“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see.
For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.
Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth,
but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.
All nations will come to your light;
mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
“Look and see, for everyone is coming home!
Your sons are coming from distant lands;
your little daughters will be carried home.
Your eyes will shine,
and your heart will thrill with joy,
for merchants from around the world will come to you.
They will bring you the wealth of many lands.
Vast caravans of camels will converge on you,
the camels of Midian and Ephah.
The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense
and will come worshiping the Lord.
Silence may follow the reading
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Carl P. Daw Jr.’s paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Blessed Be the God of Israel.”
Blessed be the God of Israel
who comes to set us free
and raises up new hope for us:
a Branch from David's tree.
So have the prophets long declared
that with a mighty arm
God would turn back our enemies
and all who wish us harm.
With promised mercy will God still
the covenant recall,
the oath once sworn to Abraham,
from foes to save us all;
that we might worship without fear
and offer lives of praise,
in holiness and righteousness
to serve God all our days.
My child, as prophet of the Lord,
you will prepare the way,
to tell God's people they are saved
from sin's eternal sway.
Then shall God's mercy from on high
shine forth and never cease
to drive away the gloom of death
and lead us into peace.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matthew 2: 1-12)
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Silence may follow the reading
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s paraphrase of the Te Deum laudamus, “God, We Praise You! God, We Bless You!”
1 God, we praise you! God, we bless you!
God, we name you sovereign Lord!
Mighty King whom angels worship,
Father, by your church adored:
all creation shows your glory,
heaven and earth draw near your throne
singing 'Holy, holy, holy,
Lord of hosts, and God alone!'
2 True apostles, faithful prophets,
saints who set their world ablaze,
martyrs, once unknown, unheeded,
join one growing song of praise,
while your church on earth confesses
one majestic Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God, our hope eternally.
3 Jesus Christ, the King of glory,
everlasting Son of God,
humble was your virgin mother,
hard the lonely path you trod:
by your cross is sin defeated,
hell confronted face to face,
heaven opened to believers,
sinners justified by grace.
4 Christ, at God's right hand victorious,
you will judge the world you made;
Lord, in mercy help your servants
for whose freedom you have paid:
raise us up from dust to glory,
guard us from all sin today;
King enthroned above all praises,
save your people, God, we pray.
King enthroned above all praises,
save your people, God, we pray.
Homily
What Gift Do You Have for the King?
In ancient times it was not unusual to search the heavens for signs and portents of future events. Astrology was practiced by the Babylonians and the Chaldeans and even earlier people of the ancient Mid-East. In ancient times the position of the sun, the moons, and the stars in the heavens were also used calculate the right time to plant crops and to determine favorable times to celebrate a wedding, begin a military campaign, embark on a journey, or to undertake a building project.
What is unusual is the importance that the wisemen gave to the birth of a new king of the Jews and their decision to travel an unknown distance to worship the newborn king. We have no idea what the birth of that king signified to them.
The news of their arrival and the purpose of their quest would certainly have been disturbing to Herod the Great who was the ruler of Judea. Herod had a Idumean father and a Nabatean mother and he was ethnically an Arab on both sides of his family. His ancestors, however, had converted to Judaism and he has been raised as a Jew. He was a client king of the Romans, having been appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate. Herod lived a turbulent time and faced a number of threats to his throne. He would not have welcomed any reports of the birth of a new king of the Jews.
It is significant that when he convened a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of the religious law that he asked them where the Messiah was supposed to be born.
Why is the visit of the wisemen to the infant Jesus sufficiently important as to merit our attention? It was a result of their quest for the newborn king whose star they had seen rising in the heavens, which first revealed Jesus to the world. News of his birth had up to that point been confined to the shepherds, Joseph and Mary’s relatives, and the inhabitants of Bethlehem.
The wisemen were also the first Gentiles, non-Jews, with whom Jesus would have contact and who would pay him homage. Something far greater than what the Jews had expected with the appearance of the Messiah was beginning to unfold. The visit of the wisemen to the infant Jesus was one of those momentous events which we do not realize how momentous it is until much later. A star may have prompted the wisemen to set out on their journey. A star may have guided them on the way. A star may have lead them to the house where the holy family were living. However, their undertaking what may a long and arduous journey to worship an infant could have only been God’s doing. God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, had been working in their lives and set their feet upon the road to Bethlehem.
God’s grace works in our lives in the same way. He draws us to Jesus just like he drew the wisemen to Jesus. They were the first Gentiles to bow down and worship him who is the King of heaven and earth. It is now our turn to pay him homage and offer him the greatest gift we can give him—ourselves.
Silence is kept.
Affirmation of Faith
Hear, O Israel,
the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it:
Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.
The Intercessions and Thanksgivings
The leader or another participant leads the prayers, using the following form.
(Let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”)
Let us ask the Lord for a day of fulfilment and peace.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to teach us to love others as he has loved us.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord for justice and peace in the world.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to strengthen and relieve those who are in need.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to renew the Church through the power of his life-giving Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence or aloud.
The Collect
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
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Southern Harmony’s version of Reginald Hebert’s “Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning.”
1 Hail, the blest morn, see the great Mediator,
Down from the region of glory descend!
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
Lo for his guard the bright angels attend.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
2 Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies his bed, with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore him in slumbers reclining,
Wise men and shepherds before him do fall.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
3 Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Eden, and offerings divine,
Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
4 Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gold we his favour secure.
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration:
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May God bless and keep us. Amen.
May God’s face ever shine upon us. Amen.
May God grant us peace for all our days. Amen.
Evening Prayer
The Service of the Light
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
A light no darkness can extinguish.
Open this link in a new tab to hear David Sims’ arrangement of Sylvia Dunstan’s paraphrase of the Phos Hilaron, “O Laughing Light, First-Born of Creation.”
O laughing light, O First-born of creation,
Radiance of glory, light from light begotten,
God self-revealing, holy, bright and blessed:
You shine upon us.
Day’s light is fleeting; your light is eternal.
We look to you, our light within the shadow.
We sing to you, Creator, Christ, and Spirit;
You shine before us.
Light of the world, O Jesus Christ, we bless you!
Giver of life and Child of God, we praise you!
Hear as the universe proclaims your glory!
You shine among us.
You shine among us.
Thanksgiving
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
our eternal Father and David’s king.
You have made our gladness greater and increased our joy
by sending to dwell among us
the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace.
Born of Mary,
proclaimed to the shepherds,
and acknowledged to the ends of the earth,
your unconquered Sun of righteousness
destroys our darkness and establishes us in freedom.
All glory in the highest be to you,
through Christ, the Son of your favour,
in the anointing love of his Spirit,
this night and for ever and ever. Amen.
The Psalms
Open this link in a new tab to hear Andrea Sandefur’s setting of Psalm 134, “Come, All Your Servants of the Lord.”
Come all you servants of the Lord (bless the Lord)
Who stand by night in the house of the Lord
Come all you servants of the Lord (bless the Lord)
Who stand by night in the house of the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord, bless the Lord
May the Lord bless you from Zion
He who made heaven and earth (heaven and earth)
May the Lord bless you from Zion
He who made heaven and earth (heaven and earth)
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
Lift up your hands, and bless the Lord, bless the Lord
Silence is kept.
Guard all your household, Lord,
through the dark night of faith,
and purify the hearts of those who wait on you,
until your kingdom dawns with the
rising of your Son,
Christ, the morning star.
Praise to you our God;
You answer prayer. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s responsorial setting of Psalm 113, “Blessed Be the Name.”
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!
May the name of the LORD be blest
both now and forevermore!
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
praised be the name of the LORD!
High above all nations is the LORD,
above the heavens his glory.
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
Who is like the LORD, our God,
who dwells on high,
who lowers himself to look down
upon heaven and earth?
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
From the dust he lifts up the lowly,
from the ash heap he raises the poor,
to set them in the company of princes,
yes, with the princes of his people.
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name,
Blessed be the name of the LORD
for ever!
Silence is kept.
Lord Jesus,
surrendering the brightness of your glory,
you became mortal
so that we might be raised from the dust
to share your very being.
May the children of God always bless your name
from the rising of the sun to its going down,
for you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever.
Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
The Reading
A reading from the Letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 3: 1-12).
When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.
Silence follows the reading
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Janet Whitaker’s “Magnificat.”
1 Sing out, my soul, for God has raised and blessed me
and looked on me with kindly, loving eyes.
A servant lowly yet I am beloved.
This wondrous God has done great things for me.
Forevermore O mighty God of mercy,
I will sing praise for holy is your name!
2 The proud of heart he shall make low and humble.
The gentle, poor and hungry shall be filled.
O Israel! God shall uphold the promise
made long ago to you and Abraham.
Forevermore O mighty God of mercy,
I will sing praise for holy is your name!
3 Glory to you, the God of all creation.
Glory to, O Christ, the promised one.
Glory to you, O Spirit of Compassion.
Inspire our hearts to sing our mother’s song.
Forevermore O mighty God of mercy,
I will sing praise for holy is your name!
Homily
My mother loved a good mystery novel. From the number of them she had on her bookshelves they must have been her most favorite books to read. She liked the way a good mystery writer keeps the reader in suspense while at the same time dropping a clue here and there which might enable the reader to solve the mystery themselves.
God does the same thing in the books of the Bible. He gives us hints to what he is planning. Then just as a mystery writer brings a novel to a climax, God reveals the plan that he has been keeping under wraps. This is the plan that God has revealed to us through his holy apostles and prophets.
“Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”
The good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is not just for one group of people. It is for everyone, for all the different peoples on the earth.
As Paul points to the attention of the members of church at Ephesus, due to what Jesus as done and our faith in him we can go boldly and confidently into God’s presence. We too are God’s children and God is our Father.
As we offer prayers and intercession for others and ourselves this evening, keep this knowledge in mind. God may know for what we are going to pray but God still desires that we share our concerns and needs with him. So let us draw near to God with boldness and confidence, trusting in what Jesus taught us, trusting God’s goodness toward us.
Silence is kept.
Affirmation of Faith
Hear, O Israel,
the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it:
Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.
Intercessions and Thanksgivings
The leader or another participant leads the prayers, using the following form.
Let us join in prayer with God’s faithful people throughout the world, saying “God of Love: hear our prayer.”
We pray for the unity of your church, that our life may reflect the love you have shown us.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We ask your grace for all pastors, elders, and deacons and for all who minister in word and in deed, that we may bear faithful witness to your good news.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We seek your justice and peace in our world, our country, and our community, that the needy may never be forgotten.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We ask your blessing on our homes, our friends and family, and on those who live alone, that we may know your presence ever near us.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We name before you all whom you have given us to pray for [especially….], knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can ask or imagine.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We commend to you all who have died [especially….], that our trust in you may deepen, knowing that you are a just and merciful God.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We offer our thanks and praise for all you have done for us, rejoicing in the knowledge that you are with us always.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We look for your purposes to be accomplished and ask you to fill us with the strength and vision to carry out your will.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence or aloud.
The Collect
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
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Carey Landrey’s “Only a Shadow.”
The love I have for you, O Lord,
Is only a shadow of your love for me;
Only a shadow of your love for me,
Your deep abiding love.
My own belief in you, O Lord,
Is only a shadow of your faith in me,
Only a shadow of your faith in me;
Your deep and lasting faith.
My life is in your hands,
My life is in your hands;
My love for you will grow, O Lord;
Your light in me will shine.
The dreams we share today, O Lord,
Are only a shadow of your dreams for us;
Only a shadow of your dreams for us;
If we but follow you.
The joy we share today, O Lord,
Is only a shadow of your joys for us;
Only a shadow of your joys for us;
When we meet face to face.
Our lives are in your hands,
Our lives are in your hands;
Our love for you will grow, O Lord;
Your light in us will shine.
Our lives are in your hands,
Our lives are in your hands;
Our love for you will grow, O Lord;
Your light in us will shine.
Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May God bless and keep us. Amen.
May God’s face ever shine upon us. Amen.
May God grant us peace for all our days. Amen.
A reading from the Letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 3: 1-12).
When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.
Silence follows the reading
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Janet Whitaker’s “Magnificat.”
1 Sing out, my soul, for God has raised and blessed me
and looked on me with kindly, loving eyes.
A servant lowly yet I am beloved.
This wondrous God has done great things for me.
Forevermore O mighty God of mercy,
I will sing praise for holy is your name!
2 The proud of heart he shall make low and humble.
The gentle, poor and hungry shall be filled.
O Israel! God shall uphold the promise
made long ago to you and Abraham.
Forevermore O mighty God of mercy,
I will sing praise for holy is your name!
3 Glory to you, the God of all creation.
Glory to, O Christ, the promised one.
Glory to you, O Spirit of Compassion.
Inspire our hearts to sing our mother’s song.
Forevermore O mighty God of mercy,
I will sing praise for holy is your name!
Homily
God’s Plan Revealed
My mother loved a good mystery novel. From the number of them she had on her bookshelves they must have been her most favorite books to read. She liked the way a good mystery writer keeps the reader in suspense while at the same time dropping a clue here and there which might enable the reader to solve the mystery themselves.
God does the same thing in the books of the Bible. He gives us hints to what he is planning. Then just as a mystery writer brings a novel to a climax, God reveals the plan that he has been keeping under wraps. This is the plan that God has revealed to us through his holy apostles and prophets.
“Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”
The good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is not just for one group of people. It is for everyone, for all the different peoples on the earth.
As Paul points to the attention of the members of church at Ephesus, due to what Jesus as done and our faith in him we can go boldly and confidently into God’s presence. We too are God’s children and God is our Father.
As we offer prayers and intercession for others and ourselves this evening, keep this knowledge in mind. God may know for what we are going to pray but God still desires that we share our concerns and needs with him. So let us draw near to God with boldness and confidence, trusting in what Jesus taught us, trusting God’s goodness toward us.
Silence is kept.
Affirmation of Faith
Hear, O Israel,
the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it:
Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.
Intercessions and Thanksgivings
The leader or another participant leads the prayers, using the following form.
Let us join in prayer with God’s faithful people throughout the world, saying “God of Love: hear our prayer.”
We pray for the unity of your church, that our life may reflect the love you have shown us.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We ask your grace for all pastors, elders, and deacons and for all who minister in word and in deed, that we may bear faithful witness to your good news.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We seek your justice and peace in our world, our country, and our community, that the needy may never be forgotten.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We ask your blessing on our homes, our friends and family, and on those who live alone, that we may know your presence ever near us.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We name before you all whom you have given us to pray for [especially….], knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can ask or imagine.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We commend to you all who have died [especially….], that our trust in you may deepen, knowing that you are a just and merciful God.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We offer our thanks and praise for all you have done for us, rejoicing in the knowledge that you are with us always.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
We look for your purposes to be accomplished and ask you to fill us with the strength and vision to carry out your will.
God of love: Hear our prayer.
Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence or aloud.
The Collect
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
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Carey Landrey’s “Only a Shadow.”
The love I have for you, O Lord,
Is only a shadow of your love for me;
Only a shadow of your love for me,
Your deep abiding love.
My own belief in you, O Lord,
Is only a shadow of your faith in me,
Only a shadow of your faith in me;
Your deep and lasting faith.
My life is in your hands,
My life is in your hands;
My love for you will grow, O Lord;
Your light in me will shine.
The dreams we share today, O Lord,
Are only a shadow of your dreams for us;
Only a shadow of your dreams for us;
If we but follow you.
The joy we share today, O Lord,
Is only a shadow of your joys for us;
Only a shadow of your joys for us;
When we meet face to face.
Our lives are in your hands,
Our lives are in your hands;
Our love for you will grow, O Lord;
Your light in us will shine.
Our lives are in your hands,
Our lives are in your hands;
Our love for you will grow, O Lord;
Your light in us will shine.
Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May God bless and keep us. Amen.
May God’s face ever shine upon us. Amen.
May God grant us peace for all our days. Amen.
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