The Gathering Of The Community
Hymn: Blue #160 As With Gladness Men of Old
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.
Collect for Purity
All: Almighty God 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
Eternal God, who by a star led wise men to the worship of your Son. Guide by your light the nations of the earth, that the whole world may know your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
The Psalm
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12
Sermon
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. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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.
The Prayers of the People
Let us worship the Saviour with joy and make our prayer to our heavenly Father.
The magi came from the east to worship your Son: Father, grant to Christians everywhere the spirit of adoration … Lord of glory, hear our prayer.
The infant Christ received gifts of gold, incense and myrrh: Father, accept the offering of our hearts and minds at the beginning of this year … Lord of glory, hear our prayer.
The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ: Father, grant an abundance of peace to your world … Lord of glory, hear our prayer.
The Holy Family lived in exile and in the shadow of death: Father, look in mercy on all who are poor and powerless, and all who suffer … Lord of glory, hear our prayer.
Your Son shared the life of his home and family at Nazareth: Father, protect in your love our neighbours, our families and this community of which we are a part … Lord of glory, hear our prayer.
Father, we rejoice in our fellowship with the shepherds, the angels, the magi, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and all the faithful departed. In your unfailing love for us and for all people, hear and answer our prayers through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone, and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God. Amen.
The Peace
Leader: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Offertory Hymn: We Three Kings
The Holy Eucharist
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst…54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. (John 6)
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
Leader: God of all the nations of the earth, guide us with your light. Help us to recognize Christ as he comes to us in this eucharist and in our neighbours. May we welcome him with love, for he is Lord now and for ever.
Hymn: Blue #139 The First Nowell
Leader: Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia!
All: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
We pray for: Paul Francis and Heather, Wendy and David Geer, and Jonathan and Clifford
Announcements
Congratulations to Audrey!
On New Year’s Day, Bishop Andrew Asbil awarded our Audrey the Order of the Diocese of Toronto at the Cathedral. The Order recognizes her many years of faithful service to Christ at St. Matthew’s as warden, office administrator, greeter, reader, visitor, organizer of wonderful coffee hours, helper of parishioners in need. Stay tuned for details of our own celebration of Audrey with cake after church in January, in the parish hall.
ALPHA at St. Matthew’s
Begins today after church: Food-Video-Discussion. Alpha is an opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment. All are welcome. 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 Bill Middleton, People’s Warden or Audrey Chan, Rector’s Warden
