The Gathering of the People
Hymn: Blue #135 Shepherds in the Fields Abiding
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
All: And also with you
Leader: Almighty God,
All: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Second Reading: Galations 4:4-7
Gradual Hymn: #153 Good Christians All, Rejoice
Gospel: LUKE 2:22-40
Sermon
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
Let us pray to our incarnate Lord, who has brought us out of darkness and into his own marvellous light.
Christ born for us, Son of God given for us: help us to know you, to worship and to serve you … Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Wonderful counsellor, you order all things with your wisdom: help the Church to reveal the mystery of your love and fill her with the Spirit of truth … Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Mighty God, the government is on your shoulders: guide the leaders of the nations and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness … Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Everlasting Father, you call us to live together in unity: protect by your mercy all your children, bless our families and renew our communities … Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Prince of peace, you bring reconciliation through the cross: by your healing power give to all who suffer … your gift of wholeness and peace. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, full of the Spirit, hear our prayer, receive our praises, fill our lives. Amen.
The Peace
Leader: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all things. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 5:16-18)
The peace of the Lord be always with you
All: And also with you.
Offertory Hymn: Blue #145 Good King Wenceslas
The Holy Eucharist
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:54-58)
All: 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.
All: Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
Source of truth and joy, may we who have received the gift of divine life always follow the way of your Son. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
Hymn: Blue #154 Joy to the World
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
Prayer Cycle
We pray for: Suzeena Dass; David and Leslie Demson, Deirdre Demson
Announcements
Many thanks to Fr. Ephraim for preaching this morning and for sharing his gift of preaching with us so generously over 16 years. It has been an honour for St. Matthew’s, and a gift to us, and we will miss him hugely.
ALPHA
An introduction to Christian faith for new Christians and those interested in Christianity. Food-video-discussion. Come for lunch and stay for a chat.
Sundays at 12:00 after church, starting January 7.
Childcare provided.
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale,
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Catherine Sider-Hamilton – Priest-in-charge: 416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Ephraim Radner – Honorary Assistant
Please direct all enquiries to William Middleton, People’s Warden or Audrey Chan, Rector’s Warden
