Worship Service for January 5, 2025

January 5, 2025 – Second Sunday after Christmas

Introit

Prelude

Call to Worship

One: Arise, shine, for your light has come
All: And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Lighting of the Christ Candle

This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.

Opening Hymn

“Lo, how a rose e’er blooming” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 151). Original German words date to 15^th century and were first published in 1599 in the “Speyer Hymnal”. English translation verses 1 and 2 by American musicologist Theodore Baker (1851–1934); verse 3 by American Lutheran musician and writer, Harriet Reynolds Krauth Spaeth (1845–1925); verse 4 by American theologian John Caspar Mattes (1876–1948). Music (tune: “Es ist ein Ros entsprungen”) also first published in the 1599 “Speyer Hymnal” with harmonization (1609) by German composer Michael Praetorius (1571–1621). Words, translations, music and harmonization public domain.

Prayers of Approach and Confession, and Lord’s Prayer (sins)

God of power and might, God of grace and mercy, heaven and earth are full of your glory. You chose to become one of us in Jesus Christ, sharing our joys and sorrows, displaying your greatness in the child of the manger. We praise you for your amazing love, great enough to embrace the expanding universe, yet close enough to enter our humble hearts. During this time worship, surprise us with your grace once again, that we, with the whole Church and your precious creation, may praise and honour your holy name, O God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

God of goodness and guidance, In Christ you sent us light to live by, yet we seek shadows in which to hide. In him, you promise new life, but we prefer with old habits, nursing grievances and clinging to familiar opinions. You are generous with your love, but we reject neighbors and fear strangers who differ from us. Remake us in the image of your Son with your mercy, and teach us how to follow him in the year ahead.

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.
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.

Declaration of Pardon

Here is the good news of the Gospel! Jesus Christ is God’s elect, chosen for our salvation. In him we find God’s acceptance. Let us give thanks to God for this gift, and be at peace with ourselves and with one another.
All: Thanks be to God.

The Peace

One: The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you.

Music meditation

Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)

We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”.

“Jesus loves me, this I know“ (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions, and music in the public domain.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

Scripture Readings

John 1: (1–9) 10–18  <– these link to on-line texts of the NRSV bible
Matthew 2:1–12

Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.

John 1: (1–9) 10–18

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Matthew 2:1–12

The Visit of the Magi

1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘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.’”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 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.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Sermon

Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, in person or on-line, to hear the full version of the sermon.

Hymn

“What star is this” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 170). Words Matthew 2:1–12, paraphrase, Latin, by French teacher and writer Charles Coffin (1676–1749); English translation (first published 1861 in “Hymns Ancient and Modern”) by English vicar and translator of hymns John Chandler (1806–1876). Music 15^th century carol melody (tune: “Puer Nobis Nascitur”), adapted (1609) by German composer Michael Praetorius (1571–1621). Harmony by English Anglican cleric George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848–1934) and published in the 1902 edition of his “The Cowley Carol Book”. Words, translation, music and harmony public domain.

Offering

The season of Epiphany begins January 6, the day celebrating the journey of the Magi to greet Christ, the new-born king. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh. Our gifts are not so exotic, but what we offer today and throughout the year honours Jesus as Lord of our lives and Saviour of the world.

Offering – Musical Reflection

We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.

Dedication of our Gifts

Our offering will now be received.

Doxology 306

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100^th“ with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.

Prayer of dedication

God of majesty and mystery, we bring our gifts to you, grateful that you are with us in good times and hard times. We do not know what the year ahead will hold but your love shines like a star to guide us. Bless these gifts that they may keep the light of Christ shining through the church to offer the world truth and wisdom, healing and hope in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope

God of all time and space,
as we gather in prayer, we recognize that our lives are but small details in the vast expanse of your universe. So we thank you for attending to the details of our lives. We thank you for the year just past, for walking through the good days and the hard days with us. Thank you for friendships and relationships that sustain us in uncertain times. We ask for your Spirit to guide us into the future, and create new possibilities for ministry and mission through our congregation.

God of all people and places,
The year just ending has held sorrows for so many in our community and around the world. We remember dear ones of have died and pray for those who look ahead in loneliness or sadness…. We pray for those who have faced challenges in health, in their families or at work…. Support each one who needs you close by.

God of light and love, as we face the year ahead, so much around us is still uncertain. We seek your strength and guidance in each challenge we will face. Draw near to each one who must confront illness, loss, economic hardship or changing circumstances…. Guide those for whom new opportunities appear and choices must be made.

God of community and commitment,
We pray for wisdom and courage in the year ahead. Strengthen us as a congregation to be a lively and committed witness to your love. Help us reach out to our community in faithfulness and service. Guide leaders in our nation and around the world so that justice and peace may prevail, especially in troubled places and vulnerable lives. Show us all how to honour and protect your creation, even when that takes sacrifice on our part. Receive our humble prayers and encourage us onward in the name of Jesus our Christ. Amen.

Closing Hymn

“We three kings” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 173). Words and music (both 1857; tune: “Kings of Orient”) by American clergyman and hymnwriter John Henry Hopkins Jr. (1820–1891). Words and music public domain.

Changing the Light

Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.

Benediction

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (the risen Christ), the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.

Blessing

“Celtic Blessing”. Words Irish traditional. Music by former GCPC Music Director Carmen Lappano. Words public domain. Music copyright © Carmen Lappano; used by permission.

Postlude

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Last updated 2025-01-03 21:50 – First version.