Feast of EpiphanyReadings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.10-15; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12. A Word: Epiphany is the time when we celebrate visitors coming from the East to visit the Christ-child (The Three Kings). At Epiphany, we remember that gift giving was inspired by their story. This makes me wonder what they would have made of the gift-giving that goes on now? The three kings were also known as the three wise men and the magi. When they came they brought and gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the child as symbols of who he was. Epiphany is also the time of year when we remember that the journey took these visitors to the wrong place. For they ended up in a palace with a murderous king. A king who gave orders to kill boys of 2 years of age and under, in order to kill the Christ-child. The error of going to a palace to find the new-born King, is a helpful reminder to me that we all make mistakes and that the mistakes we make have consequences for ourselves and others. So in all we do - we need to be as careful as we can.So as we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany let's take time to remember the journey that these visitors from afar made to visit the child born in Bethlehem. A child like no other, because he is the light of the world and a King.So, happy new year and may you be blessed by God this Epiphany.Let us pray: Lord, let our light so shine before others, that they may see your good works, and glorify our father in heaven.”
Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Readings for 1st Sunday of Christmas: Isaiah 63.7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2.10-18; Matthew 2.13-23The Lord's Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they 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 them that trespass against us. Deliver us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. AmenPrayer: Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, make us perfect in your love and by your great mercy keep us in the same, so we may share in his glory; through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, the true vine and the source of life, ever giving himself that the world may live. AmenPrayer of blessing: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.Closing Note This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope.
Let us pray. We gather in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Lord our God, with the birth of Jesus, your glory breaks into the world. We give you thanks as we hear once more the story of your loving purposes brought to us by the Holy Child. AmenReadings: Our story begins with a prophecy - Isaiah 9 v2&6. It continues in the Gospel of Luke: Luke 1 v26-38 and Luke 2 v1-16. It concludes with a reading from the Gospel of John: John 1 v1-5 & 10-14.Closing prayer: May the Light of God - Lead you; May the Power of God - Hold you; May the Joy of God - Heal you; May the Love of God – Cradle you; May the Laughter of God - Bless you. Now and always. AMENDismissal: Jesus is the light of the world. As you go, carry the Christ-light to all that you meet.HAPPY CHRISTMAS.
CHRISTMAS DAY BEFORE your prayers - collect 5 candles and be ready to light them during this time of prayer. If you have no candles just omit the candle lighting. INTRODUCTION: Advent is a season of expectation and preparation as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming of Christ and looks ahead to his return as judge at the end of time. During Advent we are reminded to be alert, watchful and expectant as we pray for our Lord’s second coming. Today is Christmas Day and as we light our Christmas Candle, we remember: Jesus, the Christ, our God ncarnate, the promised Messiah, God who was born as a human child, a fragile and vulnerable baby boy. Light the 4 Candles from last week and the 3 weeks before, then the 5th candle. PRAYER: Lord Jesus light of light you have come among us. God our Father, you sent your Son full of grace and truth: forgive our failure to receive him. Jesus our Saviour, born in poverty and laid in a manger: forgive our greed and rejection of your ways. Spirit of Love, your servant Mary joyfully responded to your call: forgive the hardness of our hearts. Help us who live by your light to shine as lights in your world. Glory to God in the Highest, our God who comes to his people. AMEN READING: The sun of righteousness has dawned with healing in his wings. Let us come to the light of Christ, confessing our sins in penitence and faith. Malachi 4.2 SEASONAL PRAYER: Almighty God, who in Jesus Christ has given us a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, forgive us our sins, open our eyes to God’s truth, strengthen us to do God’s will and give us the joy of his kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Blow out the 5 candles and light them each week until the end of January. Thank you for joining us today
