Sunday Service - 2 January

Welcome to our service - 2 January

This service sheet can be used individually or with households.
We would encourage you to say (or even sing) hymns and songs out loud.
Prayers, other liturgy or readings can be said out loud or silently, corporately or individually.

If you are able, we would also like invite you to join us for our main Sunday service, 10am, live on Zoom. Even if you have never been to St Gabriel’s before we would love you to join you. Please get in touch with the vicar Alistair (vicar@saintgs.co.uk) and he will send you the Zoom details.

SERVICE

Opening

Alleluia, alleluia.

We have seen his star at its rising,

and have come to pay him homage.

Alleluia, alleluia.

SING:

O worship the Lord

in the beauty of holiness!

Bow down before Him,

His glory proclaim;

With gold of obedience

and incense of lowliness,

Kneel and adore Him,

the Lord is His name.

2. Low at His feet lay

thy burden of carefulness,

High on His heart

He will bear it for thee,

Comfort thy sorrows,

and answer thy prayerfulness,

Guiding thy steps as

may best for thee be.

3. Fear not to enter His courts

in the slenderness

Of the poor wealth

thou wouldst reckon as thine:

Truth in its beauty

and love in its tenderness:

These are the offerings

to lay on His shrine.

4. These, though we bring them

in trembling and fearfulness,

He will accept for

the name that is dear;

Mornings of joy give

for evenings of tearfulness,

Trust for our trembling,

and hope for our fear.

5. O worship the Lord

in the beauty of holiness!

Bow down before Him,

His glory proclaim;

With gold of obedience

and incense of lowliness,

Kneel and adore Him,

the Lord is His name.

John Samuel Bewley Monsell 1811-75

CONFESSION

The grace of God has dawned upon the world

through our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who sacrificed himself for us to purify a people as his own.

Let us confess our sins.

God be gracious to us and bless us,

and make your face shine upon us:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

May your ways be known on the earth,

your saving power among the nations:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

You, Lord, have made known your salvation,

and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

ABSOLUTION

Almighty God,

who forgives all who truly repent,

have mercy upon you,

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

COLLECT

Creator of the heavens,

who led the Magi by a star

to worship the Christ-child:

guide and sustain us,

that we may find our journey’s end

in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

SING:

We three kings of Orient are,

bearing gifts we travel afar,

field and fountain, moor and mountain,

following yonder star:

O star of wonder, star of night,

star with royal beauty bright,

westward leading, still proceeding,

guide us to the perfect light.

2. Born a King on Bethlehem plain,

gold I bring to crown Him again:

King for ever, ceasing never,

over us all to reign.

O star of wonder...

3. Frankincense for Jesus have I,

God on earth yet Priest on high;

prayer and praising all men raising:

worship is earth's reply.

O star of wonder...

4. Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume

tells of His death and Calvary's gloom;

sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,

sealed in a stone-cold tomb.

O star of wonder...

5. Glorious now, behold Him arise,

King, and God, and sacrifice!

Heaven sings out `Alleluia',

`Amen' the earth replies.

O star of wonder...

J H Hopkins (1820-1891)

READINGS

Psalm 72:10-15 New International Version - UK

May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
    bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
    present him with gifts.
May all kings bow down to him
    and all nations serve him.

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
    the afflicted who have no one to help.
He will take pity on the weak and the needy
    and save the needy from death.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
    for precious is their blood in his sight.

Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given to him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.

Matthew 2:1-12 New International Version – UK

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written:

‘“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.”’

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

This the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

TALK by Peter Smithers

Last year it was my turn to speak at this time, and on this same part of the Bible. That time I talked about the various people involved: the wise men themselves, King Herod, the head priests, the experts in the Jewish law… The person that I didn’t say so much about was Jesus, himself.

Now that I’ve looked at this passage again, I have to admit that it’s full of Jesus! It starts off with his name: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem…”. It mentions some of his specific titles: “King of the Jews”, “the Messiah” and the “ruler”. Lots of little words like “him” and “his” refer to him. Then three times he is referred to simply as “the child”. Yes, this passage is full of Jesus.

Sometimes, at this stage of a nativity play, the baby Jesus, concealed behind the sides of his manger, gets totally upstaged by the wise men in their majestic clothing, carrying their brightly coloured gifts. So we might be forgiven if we forget that he is at the very centre of the story. But if we do, we can miss so much. So let’s look together at Jesus in this account.

The passage starts with his name. Most names in the Bible have a meaning, and “Jesus” is no exception. It means “God rescues”. It speaks of the way that God intervenes to transform situations. The “rescues” bit of the name carries the idea being freed from confinement. It is used in earlier parts of the Bible to talk about the Jewish nation being rescued from slavery in Egypt. It’s also used for rescue from personal attacks and many other dangers.

Actually, “Jesus” is just a different way of saying “Joshua”, and it was a very common name at the time. As I’ve said, it expresses a great sentiment: “God rescues”. So what’s there not to like about it? But for this particular child it had a very special significance. That comes from the way he was given the name. In the chapter before the one we’re looking at here, the angel tells Joseph, “you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins”. Notice the words: “he will save”, rather than “God will save”. So, somehow, this child is going to be doing the saving work that God does! Pretty mind-blowing.

And aren’t we all in a situation where we need rescuing? - saving from our past, our hurts, the pressures we’re under, the negative patterns we have learnt? Don’t we need saving from the guilt, the way we’ve let down our families, our planet and ourselves? And that’s what this child is all about - rescuing people. So, if you have stuff you need rescuing from, situations you need transforming, Jesus is the one who can help. Having said that, he does his saving in his way - the way that’s really best for us… which may not be the way that we feel is best. He does his rescuing at the right time… which may not be tomorrow.

But we don’t need Jesus just to rescue us and then leave us to ourselves. Otherwise we can fall back into a worse situation than the one we’ve left. So here comes the bit that may not be quite so comfortable. We need direction.

In this passage the wise men refer to Jesus as “the king”. The one who’s job it is to direct all his subjects. Our culture proclaims that personal choice is precious and should be exercised at every opportunity. It encourages us to sing, “I did it my way”. Yes, we do have a personal choice. But do we have the knowledge, the wisdom or the moral sense to exercise it in ways that are the best for our planet, our fellow humans and ourselves? I suggest that the best personal choice we can make is to subject ourselves to the king who knows everything fully and wants the very best for us and for our world.

Herod wonders whether this child may be regarded as “the Messiah”. In Jewish thought at the time, the Messiah was regarded as the coming, ultimate king - the very best king conceivable. Devout, powerful and committed to his people. We need a king like this.

The priests and experts in Jewish law point to the writings of the prophet Micah where the Messiah is described as “a ruler”. This is a more general word, but with some of the same connotations. But Micah goes on to clarify that this ruler “will shepherd my people Israel”. We need to remember what being a shepherd at that time meant. Unlike a modern shepherd that we might see in Derbyshire, he didn’t live miles away. He didn’t keep his flock in a walled field - there were no enclosures then. He didn’t come to visit for short times occasionally. No. He lived with his flock 24/7. He would constantly care for them and protect them… as well as lead them. This is the sort of leader Jesus is.

Then, three times, Jesus is described simply as “the child”. He is not a distant heavenly figure looking down on us, telling us what to do. He is one of us. We’ve all been a child. Many of us still have our “inner child”. Jesus knows what it means to be vulnerable, to be weak, to learn to live in this confusing world, to suffer pain and shame. He is human, too. Jesus understands us.

This is the Jesus that these wise men find. A child, a weak human being like them. It’s this Jesus that they bow down before as a king and ruler. It’s this Jesus that they worship as God

This Jesus…

deals with our past
leads us into our future
is with us in our present

… if we let him

As we look back at 2021 and forward to 2022, as we see the situation that we’re in today, we need him. Let’s talk to him now…

Jesus. I need you. I need you to rescue me, to rule me and to be with me. Please help me to let you do this. The wise men gave you expensive gifts. I give you myself - knowing that you won’t reject me. Amen.

AMEN

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth

I believe in Jesus Christ,

his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand

of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen

O LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER,

O Lord, hear my prayer:

When I call answer me.

O Lord, hear my prayer,

O Lord, hear my prayer:

Come and listen to me.

Jacques Berthier/Taizé.

PRAYERS - written by Linda Chambers

SUNDAY JANUARY 2 INTERCESSIONS

ETERNAL GOD, LORD OF THE NATIONS, you invited the wise men to represent the nations at the birth of your Son. We pray for the nations of the world. Give courage to nations emerging into new freedoms or adapting to new governments. Look in mercy on people groups who are persecuted for their faith, especially Christians in India at this time, journalists and activists in Hong Kong where freedom of speech is increasingly suppressed.

We pray for so many people around the world displaced because of conflict within their own nation or as a result of drought, typhoon, forest fires. We pray especially for those fleeing into Thailand following recent atrocities in Myanmar, those in Brazil and Sumatra devastated by flooding and landslides. Strengthen and equip international aid agencies as they work tirelessly to provide food in nations where there are shortages or impending famine … clean water where there is drought or poor sanitation… peace and stability where there is hatred or conflict.

ETERNAL GOD, LORD OF THE NATIONS, the wise men brought their costly gifts to the baby Jesus. We pray that the world’s wealth may be more fairly distributed and not swallowed up in corruption and greed. Remind wealthy nations of the current Covid vaccine inequality around the globe and to act on promises made at COP26 in relation to climate change.

We pray for bankers and financial institutions around the world, our own Chancellor of the Exchequer and those who work at the Treasury. We pray for our own banks, their leaders and policy makers. May all working in the world of finance have integrity and respect for the people they serve.

Help us as individuals to use our own wealth whether great or small with generosity and wisdom. Bless our mission partners in the UK and overseas. Thank you we are able to support them financially as a church. Help us to use our church funds wisely and generously in your service.

ETERNAL GOD, LORD OF THE NATIONS, you called wise men to welcome your Son and to worship him. We pray that we may be welcoming to those who join us for worship or other occasions, especially any looking for meaning and purpose in life. Bless preparations for the Alpha Courses and those thinking of attending. Strengthen our links with local shops and businesses, the doctors’ surgery and Greystones School, especially through our ‘Bless Greystones’ projects.

Thank you for Alistair and Catherine and all those who faithfully prepare and lead our worship each week – whether up at the front or supporting with sound and technology skills. We commit to you family and friends unable to worship in person because of Covid or other health issues, those struggling with family or work concerns, those fearful of the future …

As we enter a new year, help us to honour you in our everyday lives, remembering that all we do is part of our daily worship. And we pray that one day at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. AMEN

LORD’S PRAYER

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.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen

SING:

Like a candle flame,

flick'ring small in our darkness.

Uncreated light

shines through infant eyes.

God is with us, alleluia,

Come to save us, alleluia,

Come to save us,

Alleluia!

2 Stars and angels sing,

yet the earth sleeps in the shadows;

can this tiny spark

set a world on fire?

God is with us...

3 Yet His light shall shine

from our lives, Spirit blazing,

as we touch the flame

of His holy fire.

God is with us...

OFFERTORY - Take a moment to consider how you are going to continue to give to the life of the church and support other aid agencies and mission organisations.

Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power,

the glory, the splendour, and the majesty;

for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.

All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.

SING:

Meekness and majesty,

manhood and deity,

in perfect harmony -

the man who is God:

Lord of eternity

dwells in humanity,

kneels in humility

and washes our feet.

Oh what a mystery -

meekness and majesty:

bow down and worship,

for this is your God,

this is your God!

2 Father's pure radiance,

perfect in innocence,

yet learns obedience

to death on a cross:

suffering to give us life,

conquering through sacrifice -

and as they crucify,

prays, `Father, forgive.'

Oh what a mystery ...

3 Wisdom unsearchable,

God the invisible,

love indestructible

in frailty appears:

Lord of infinity,

stooping so tenderly,

lifts our humanity

to the heights of his throne.

Oh what a mystery ...

this is your God!

FINAL BLESSING:

May God the Father,

who led the wise men by the shining of a star

to find the Christ, the Light from light,

lead you also in your pilgrimage to find the Lord. Amen.

May God, who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness,

give us a place with the saints in light

in the kingdom of his beloved Son. Amen.

May the light of the glorious gospel of Christ

shine in your hearts and fill your lives

with his joy and peace. Amen.

and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be upon you and remain with you always.

Amen

WE WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR