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Prelude: Flute and Piano Pieces No. 3 by Bruce Carlson
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Song: 147 CP Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light
Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with affright, but hear the angel’s warning.
This child, this helpless little boy, shall be our confidence and joy,
The power of Satan breaking our peace eternal making.
This night of winter, night of joy, was born the Christ’ our brother;
He comes’ not mighty to destroy, to bid us love each other.
How could he quit his kingly state for such a world of greed and hate?
What deep humiliation secured the world’s salvation!
Come, dearest child’ into our hearts, and leave your crib behind you!
Let this be where new life starts for all who seek and find you.
To you the honour, thanks, and praise, for all your gifts this time of grace;
Come, conquer and deliver this world, and us, forever.
Gathering Sentences
Look to this day! As light slowly returns, lengthening our days
Shadows lessen
As hope re-enters the world, through God’s miracle
The dreams of yesterday
Become today’s reality and tomorrow’s vision
Light has been revealed
Let our eyes be open to the wonders of God
Nunc Dimittis: Now Let Your Servant Go Gather hymnal #776
Words by Ruth Duck ©1992 GIA Publications Inc
Now let your servant go in peace;
Let praise and blessing here increase;
For in our midst your word is done
And you have sent your Promised one
Before the peoples you prepare
Your way of life which all may share.
Your saving power is now made known;
Among the nations love is shown
Child, you are chosen as a sign
To test the human heart and mind;
For secrets hidden in the night
Shall be revealed in piercing light.
Now let us sing our Saviour’s praise,
And tell God’s goodness all our days.
While breath is ours, let praise be heard
For God’s own faithful, saving word
Explanation of the Blessing of Candles and Giving of the Light
Collect: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have sent us your salvation. Inspire us by your Holy Spirit to recognize him who is the glory of Israel and the light for all nations, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
January Birthdays, we pray together for those who celebrated:
Watch over your children, Oh Lord, as their days increase. Bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall and, in their hearts, may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Proclamation of the Word
A Reading from the prophet, Malachi 3.1–4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!
Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!
Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!
A Reading from the letter to the Hebrews 2.14–18
Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Gradual Hymn: 155 CP From East to West
From east to west, from shore to shore,
let every heart awake and sing
the holy child whom Mary bore,
the Christ, the everlasting King.
Behold! The world’s creator wears
the form and fashion of a slave;
our very flesh our Maker shares,
his fallen creature now to save.
For this how wondrously he wrought!
A maiden, in her lowly place,
became, in ways beyond all thought,
the chosen vessel of his grace.
Assenting to the angel’s word,
she chose what God the Spirit willed,
and suddenly the promised Lord
that pure and hallowed temple filled.
All glory for this blessed morn
to God, the source of all, is due,
all praise to you, O Virgin-born;
all praise, O Holy Ghost, to you.
The Lord be with you And also with you The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 2.22–40
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Homily
An Affirmation of Faith (http://modernliturgist.org/)
I believe in God, the creator of the universe, who spoke, “Let there be light!” and there was light, setting in motion all of creation and blessing it to this day.
I believe in Jesus Christ, the light of the world that shines in the darkness.
The darkness cannot overcome it. He embodied humanity in the image of God. In kindness, truthfulness, humility and devotion, he suffered for the greater good. He was and is the Son of God. He died on the cross for us, God’s saving grace!
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the guiding light of God in our world. Through his spirit, God penetrates and reveals the darkness of human sin,
helps people grow and become the people they are meant to be. I believe in the power of transformation, through God’s spirit and light, here in this world and in the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Holy and just God, we thank you for the great gift of this church community and all the people who have been touched by your grace here. Keep us from pure self-serving behavior and stir us to serve people who are most in need of your mercy. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
For your blessings upon this congregation, that it continues to dream dreams, sing new songs, and be a sign of your living presence in the world, let us pray.
Have mercy, O God.
Bless our congregation as it continues to build for the future of this church. Help us to make the right decisions, so that our community may be a font of life for many generations to come.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. We pray for our elected parish council leaders and those offering their service for this coming year: bless their lives and their service; energize their souls. Grant them the desire to grow in faith and inspire others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Lord we thank you for this church, built through the sacrifices of our ancestors in faith. May our worship be genuine and sincere; may the ministries that flow out of this place lift up people in the name of Christ. And despite all our efforts, may we never forget that we are saved by grace alone.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Gracious God, we thank you this morning for the gift of this church community and all the people who are active here in various ministries and roles, giving of their time, talent and treasure.
Thanks be to God.
We give you thanks for those whose faith has set us an example of devotion and service. We pray for all those known to us who are elderly, widowed or living alone. Help us to be aware of their changing needs and our responsibility towards them. May they increasingly know your presence and peace. We pray for those who are unwell: for those recovering from, or awaiting surgery; Jesus, light of the world shine in me
As we grow older, may we increasingly wait for the revelation of God's Son, Jesus Christ, and that day when darkness itself will cease to exist. May we know your reassuring presence beside us, even as we walk through the deepest valley. And give to us the certain hope of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever, where Christ himself has prepared our dwelling place.
Jesus, light of the world shine in me
Offertory Hymn: 621 CP Before the World Began
Before the World began, one Word was there;
Grounded in God he was, rooted in care;
By him all things were made, in him love was displayed,
Through him God spoke, and said, “I AM FOR YOU.”
Life found in him its source, death found its end;
Light found in him its course darkness its friend.
For neither death or doubt nor darkness can put out
the glow of God, the shout, “I AM FOR YOU.”
The word was in the world, which from him came;
Unrecognized he was, unknown by name;
one with all humankind, with the unloved aligned,
convincing sight and mind, “I AM FOR YOU.”
All who received the Word by God were blessed;
Sisters and brothers, they of earth’s fond guest.
So did the Word of grace proclaim in time and space
And with a human face, “I AM FOR YOU.”
Prayer for the blessing of Candles
God our Father, Source of all light, today you revealed to Simeon Your light of revelation to the nations. Bless these candles and make them holy. May we who carry them to praise your glory walk in the path of goodness and come to the light that shines forever. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the gifts (together)
Almighty God, accept the joyful offering of your Church, and grant that your Son may shine in us as the light that lightens every nation. We ask this in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Eucharistic Prayer (from The Church of England)
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give thanks and praise.
It is indeed right and good, always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ who is one with you from all eternity. For on this day he appeared in the Temple in substance of our flesh to come near to us in judgement. He searches the hearts of all your people and brings to light the image of your splendour.
Your servant Simeon acclaimed him as the light to lighten the nations while Anna spoke of him to all who looked for your redemption. Destined for the falling and rising of many, he was lifted high upon the cross and a sword of sorrow pierced his mother’s heart when by his sacrifice he made our peace with you. And now we glorify your name that we, too, have seen your salvation and join with angels and archangels in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
And so, God, calling to mind Jesus’ death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for Jesus’ coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.
Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of the Mary, St. Paul, Simeon and Anna, the angels and all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (Cameron)
As our Saviour taught us we pray
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins. As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours. Now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here amongst us, Light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The Communion
Music during communion: Refiner’s Fire The Trumpet Child
Prayer after Communion (together)
God for whom we wait, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon, who did not die till he had welcomed the Messiah. Complete in us your perfect will, that we in Christ may share in your eternal kingdom; for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen
The Blessing
Blessing
Announcements
Closing Hymn: Let the King of Glory Come
Lift up you gates, lift up your arches
Let the king of glory come!
Lift up your hearts and sing you people:
Let the King of glory come!
Let the King of glory come!
Who is the king of glory?
Yahweh, holy and strong!
Who is the Lord of majesty?
Yahweh, mighty and strong!
Lift up you gates, lift up your arches
Let the king of glory come!
Lift up your hearts and sing you people:
Let the King of glory come!
Let the King of glory come!
Come, O come Emmanuel:
Come and dwell with us!
Come, o come, you Lord of might:
Banish death and fear!
Lift up you gates, lift up your arches
Let the king of glory come!
Lift up your hearts and sing you people:
Let the King of glory come!
Let the King of glory come!
Come, o come, bright wisdom:
Come and make us wise!
Come, o come, you Day spring:
Love, unclose our eyes!
Lift up you gates, lift up your arches
Let the king of glory come!
Lift up your hearts and sing you people:
Let the King of glory come!
Let the King of glory come!
Come, you Key of David, come:
Open our heavenly home!
Come, Desire of nations:
Bring us into your peace!
Lift up you gates, lift up your arches
Let the king of glory come!
Lift up your hearts and sing you people:
Let the King of glory come!
Let the King of glory come!
Dismissal
Let us take God's light into the world. We will go to join others in pilgrimage of trust. Amen. Alleluia
Postlude: Go Tell It
Some material in this service is copyright
Prayers to Share ©2004 David Sparks
Book of Alternative Services © 1985 The Anglican Church of Canada
Common Worship: Festivals © 2008 The Archbishops’ Council
Celtic Daily Prayer book 2 © 2015 the Northumbria Community Trust
Permission to reprint, podcast and stream copyright music through ONE LICENSE A-605236
On line Resources
http://modernliturgist.org/