THE SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
December 29 , 2024
CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS.
The Gospel lesson for today from St. Matthew underlines both the supernatural and the scriptural character of the birth of Christ from the Virgin Mary, and also highlights for us the key role that Joseph played in this drama, whose righteous conduct serves as an illustration for us of what it means for us to live as those who though baptism have received the Holy Spirit and adoption as sons and heirs of God.
THE LESSON : Galatians 4:1-7
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.
THE LESSON: Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
CHRISTMAS OFFERING. The Christmas Offering Envelopes will be given as Christmas Gift to the Rector. Other cheques/ cash offerings or e-transfer towards this gift should be marked, “Christmas Gift to the Rector.”
HELP NEEDED: NURSERY VOLUNTEERS Our nursery is in need of more volunteers. With only 3 helpers, we’re finding it difficult to cover all 4 Sundays—and sometimes even the 5th Sunday in the month. Your time, even just once a month, would make a big difference in providing a loving and safe space for our children. We truly appreciate your support and thank you for considering this important opportunity to serve. If you can help, please contact Yvonne at the office at 306-522-6052 or email
NEXT SUNDAY: Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. 10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer. 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
WEEK DAY SERVICES will resume after the Rector returns from post Christmasbreak on Jan 7.