THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD, that is the ‘shining forth” of God in the person of Jesus Christ brings the celebration of Christmas to a climax and fulfillment. Join us Wednesday, January 6th, at 7:00 p.m. on “ zoom” for a special evening service from St. Mary’s that will include a “Blessing of the Waters” in anticipation of the Baptism of the Lord next Sunday. Please print off the attached order of service.
TODAY AT ST. MARY’S: 10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer, with Carols of Christmas and Sermon. Henry preaching.
AUDIO RECORDING of the full service and sermon is available on the parish website.
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD, that is the ‘shining forth” of God in the person of Jesus Christ brings the celebration of Christmas to a climax and fulfillment. Join us next Wednesday, January 6th, at 7:00 p.m. on “Zoom” for an evening of theological reflection and a special evening service from St. Mary’s that will include a “Blessing of the Waters” in anticipation of the Baptism of the Lord next Sunday. Zoom link will be sent out next Tuesday.
A FROM THE FATHERS: AS FIRE COMES TO BE IN IRON. (Part 2)
So then, one might ask, “ How was God the Word not filled with bodily weakness?” We reply: as the fire does not share in the distinguishing marks of the iron. Iron is black and cold, but nonetheless when turned into fire it takes on the outward form of fire. The iron glows, yet the fire is not blackened. The iron is set ablaze, yet it does not cool the flame. So too with the human flesh of the Lord: it shares in the divinity, yet it does not impart its own weakness to the divinity…Are you puzzled how the easily corruptible nature can have incorruptibility through its communion with God? Realize that it’s a mystery. God is in flesh that he may kill the death that lurks therein. For as the harm caused by poisonous drugs can be overcome by antidotes when they are assimilated by the body, and as the darkness residing in a house is dissolved by the introduction of light, so too the death that dominates in human nature is obliterated by the presence of divinity. And as ice in water, for as long as it is night and dark, is stronger than the liquid that contains it, but the warming sun melts the ice by its ray, so too death rules until the advent of Christ, but when the saving grace of God appears,, and the sun of righteousness arsis, death is swallowed up by victory, unable to bear the visitation of true life.
O the depth of the goodness of God and his love for humanity! In response to his superabundant love for humanity we rebel against being his servants. We seek to know why God is among humans, though we should be adoring his goodness.
On the Holy Birth of Christ, St. Basil of Caesaria, (A.D. 329-379)
AUDIO RECORDING of the full service and sermon will be available on the parish website.
DONATIONS for 2020 by cheque or e-transfer need to be received in the church office by December 31. Christmas thank offering to the Rector may be made either by e –transfer or using the yellow church envelope.
A WORD FROM THE FATHERS: AS FIRE COMES TO BE IN IRON. (Part 1)
How did the splendor come to us all by means of one? How can divinity come to be in flesh? As fire comes to be in iron: not by a change of place, but by a sharing of itself. For fire does not go out of itself and into the iron; rather, while remaining in its place, it shares its own power with the iron. It is in no way diminished when it shares itself, and the whole of it fills whatever shares in it. So it is in this way that God the Word did not move out of Himself when the Word became flesh. Heaven was not deprived of what it contained, and earth received the heavenly one within it’s own embraces. Do not suppose that the divinity fell. For it did not move from one place to another as bodies do. Do not imagine that the divinity was altered when it was transferred into flesh. For the immortal is immutable.
On the Holy Birth of Christ, St. Basil of Caesaria, (A.D. 329-379)
Join us “live” from St. Mary’s on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. for Christmas Eve Vigil and Service of Lesson and Carol with the Blessing of the Creche. Our goal on this Holy Night of the celebration of our Savior’s Birth is to hold a “virtual gathering” and to “liturgize” together, that is to en-act the Word of God in Scripture, song, and prayer. The service will be conducted from the sanctuary at St. Mary’s, and will include readings by parishioners from their homes, musical accompaniment on the organ for the singing of the carols at home. Please join us at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81587105842?pwd=clUvb1lVYjNiblZKemZvcGZ0bngwUT09.
Passcode, if needed, is 801954.
Please be on time, and ready yourself by hitting the “mute” button on your computer, turning off the lights in your home, and ready to light candles!
NOTES ON TONIGHT’S SERVICE
Our service this evening consists of three elements. The first element is “The Service of Light” from the Church’s daily liturgy of Evening Prayer. The opening greeting, “Light and Peace in Jesus Christ” with which we light our tapers recalls the first words spoken by God in the creation account from the Book of Genesis, “Let there be light.” St. John, picks up on this theme in the prologue to His Gospel, when he writes, concerning the Word and Son of God who is Jesus Christ, “ The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not over come it ” and “The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. “ (John 1. 5,9) . The light that we pass from candle to candle tonight symbolizes for us the inner spiritual illumination we receive through the Gospel. Once all the candles are lit we join together in singing the “Phos Hilaron,” a hymn of praise to Christ who is our Light, and the oldest recorded Christian hymn outside the New Testament.
The second element of our service consists of the Advent hymn, “O come, O Come Emmanuel.” The text of this hymn dates back to the 9th century, and comprises a series of titles of Jesus Christ taken from Old Testament Scriptures, and expresses the deep yearning, hope, and expectation for God’s promised Messiah. Our singing of this hymn tonight establishes Christmas as a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the fulfillment of the promises to His people, Israel. The hymn will be sung in procession to a medieval plainchant tune, and will make station at various strategic places in the church: the lectern, the pulpit, the north doors, the font, the chancel, and the altar, thereby “illuminating” for us the character of our encounter with Jesus Christ mediated by each of these places.
In this way we will have prepared ourselves for our service of Lessons and Carols where we will “travel in spirit with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to acclaim with the multitude of the heavenly host the coming of the Prince of Peace.” The lessons for tonight will comprise of a prophecy from Isaiah, the Christmas story from St. Luke, the story of the arrival of the wise-men from St. Matthew , and the prologue to St. John’s Gospel, which takes us back to where we began our service: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. (John 1.4,5)
With this service we enter into the Church’s 12 day celebration of Christmas. And, as we follow the example of Mary, who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” ( Luke 2.19), may “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15.13) .
THE SERVICE OF LIGHT
Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God.
Candles are lit.
Phos Hilaron
Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest, Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest, The lights of evening round us shine, We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung with undefilèd tongue, Son of our God, giver of life, alone: therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.
Thanksgiving
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
God, ruler of the universe, creator of light and darkness. In this holy season, when the sun’s light is swallowed up by the growing darkness of the night, you renew your promise to reveal among us the splendour of your glory, enfleshed and visible to us in Jesus Christ your Son. Through the prophets you teach us to hope for his reign of peace. Through the outpouring of his Spirit, you open our blindness to the glory of his presence. Strengthen us in our weakness. Support us in our stumbling efforts to do your will and free our tongues to sing your praise. For to you all honour and blessing are due, now and for ever. Amen.
O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly; Hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
HYMN IN PROCESSION: O COME, O COME EMMANUEL
Congregation: O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Antiphon: O Wisdom (lectern)
O wisdom, which camest out of the mouth of the Most High, and reachest from one end to another, mightily, and sweetly ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.
O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Refrain
Antiphon: O Adonai (pulpit)
O Adonai, and leader of the house of Israel, who appearst in the bush to Moses in a flame of fire, and gavest him the law in Sinai, Come and deliver us with an outstretched arm.
O come, thou rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell thy people save; And give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain
Antiphon: O Key of David (north doors)
O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel, that openest and none can shut, and shuttest and no man openeth: Come and bring the prisoner out of the prison house, and him that sitteth in darkness.
O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Refrain
Antiphon: O Morning Star (font)
O Day Spring, Brightness of Light everlasting, and sun of righteousness; Come and enlighten him that sitteth in darkness, and the shadow of death.
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Refrain
Antiphon: O King of the Nations (chancel steps)
O King of the nations and their Desire; the Cornerstone, who makest both one: Come and save mankind, whom thou formedst of clay
O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind; bid thou our sad divisions cease, and be thyself our King of Peace. Refrain
Antiphon: O Emmanuel (altar)
O Emmanuel our King and law-giver, the desire of all nations and their Salvation: Come and save us,O Lord our God.
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Refrain
GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord. My brothers and sisters: We have come together as Christmas draws near to prepare for our celebration of the birth of God’s beloved Son. Through the days of Advent we have followed the light of Christ, and now we travel in spirit with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to acclaim with the multitude of the heavenly host the coming of the Prince of Peace. Through Scripture and silence, prayer and song, let us hear again the wonderful story of our redemption, and, hearing, let us rejoice and respond with lively faith.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
OPENING HYMN: Once in Royal David’s City
Once in Royal David’s city Stood a lowly cattle shed. Where a mother laid her baby In a manger for His bed. Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.
He came down to earth from Heaven, Who is God and Lord of all. And his shelter was a stable, And his cradle was a stall. With the poor and mean and lowly, Lived on earth our Saviour Holy.
And our eyes at last shall see Him Through His own redeeming love, For that child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in Heaven above; And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor, lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in Heaven, Set at God’s right hand on high, When, like stars, His children crowned All in white, shall wait around.
THE WORD OF GOD
FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 9.2-7 (Reader: Emilia S.)
The Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth
MUSICAL OFFERING: Variations on “In Dulci Jubilo” by Denis Bédard
COLLECT.
Holy Jesus, to deliver us from the power of darkness you humbled yourself to be born among us and were laid in a manger. Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, and bring us at last to the joyful vision of your beauty, for you are now alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
SECOND LESSON: Luke 1.26-38 (Reader: Amelie L)
The Annunciation to Mary
MUSICAL OFFERING: Angelus ad Virginem 14th century Irish Carol
COLLECT.
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy spirit, one God , now and for ever. Amen.
THIRD LESSON: Luke 2.1-7 (Reader: Lucy D)
The Birth of Jesus
MUSICAL OFFERING: O Christmas Tree – Lucy D
HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in the dark street shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, And fathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God, the King, And peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, The wondrous Gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell: Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!
THE BLESSING OF THE CRIB
A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come and worship the Lord: for a great light has shone on the earth.
Hear the words of the book of Wisdom: When peaceful silence lay over all and night was in the midst of her swift course, from your royal throne, O God, down from the heavens, leapt your almighty Word.
Thanks be to God.
CAROL AT THE CRIB: Away in a Manger – Music: The Der family.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes; I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.
Let us pray that God our Father will bless this crib, and that all who worship his Son, born of the Virgin Mary, may come to share His life in glory.
God our Father, on this night your Son Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary for us and for our salvation; bless this crib, which we have prepared to celebrate that holy birth; may all who see it be strengthened in faith and receive the fullness of life he came to bring; who lives and reigns for ever. Amen.
HYMN: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly – Music: The Der family.
Infant holy, Infant lowly, For His bed a cattle stall. Oxen lowing little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of All. Swift are winging angels singing, Nowells ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the Babe is Lord of all! Christ the Babe is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping Vigil till the morning new Saw the glory, heard the story Tidings of a gospel true Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow Praises voicing greet tomorrow: Christ the Babe is born for you! Christ the Babe is born for you!
FOURTH LESSON: Luke 2.8-16 – Reader: Anya M
The Shepherds Go To The Manger
HYMN: Silent Night
Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright ‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar; Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia! Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord at Thy birth Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
COLLECT
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIFTH LESSON: Matthew 2. 1-11 – Reader: David K
The Wise Men are led by a Star to Jesus
As with gladness, men of old Did the guiding star behold; As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright; So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger-bed; There to bend the knee before Him Whom heaven and earth adore; So may we with willing feet Ever seek thy mercy-seat.
As they offered gifts most rare At that mangerrude and bare; So may we, with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy, All our costliest treasures bring, Christ! to Thee our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way; And, when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy Glory hide.
COLLECT.
Eternal God, who by a star led wisemen 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. Amen.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Sixth Reading: John 1.1-18 – Reader: Canon Claude Schroeder
St. John tells of the Incarnation
CAROL: OF the Father’s Love Begotten
Of the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be, he is Alpha and Omega — he the source, the ending he, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore.
O that birth forever blessed, when a virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; and the babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore.
This is he whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord, whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word; now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heaven adore him; angel hosts, his praises sing: All dominions, bow before him and extol our God and King; let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring evermore and evermore.
Christ, to thee, with God the Father and O Holy Ghost to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be, honour, glory, and dominion and eternal victory evermore and evermore.
THE PRAYERS
Let us pray to Jesus our Saviour. Christ, born in a stable, give courage to all who are homeless.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Christ, for whom the angels sang, give the song of the kingdom to all who weep.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Christ, worshipped by the shepherds, give peace on earth to all who are oppressed.
Jesus, Saviour,hear our prayer.
Christ, before whom the wise men knelt, give humility and wisdom to all who govern.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger, give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Jesus, Saviour, child of Mary, you know us and love us, you share our livesand hear our prayer. Glory to you for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER.
THE BLESSING
May the Father, who has loved the eternal Son from before the foundation of the world, shed that love upon you his children. Amen.
May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy and peace. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit, by whose overshadowing Mary became the Godbearer, give you grace to carry the good news of Christ. Amen.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen! Amen! Amen!
CAROL: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King, peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’ incarnate Deity, pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. ( 1 John 1. 1-4)
Godly Play for children 3-6 years via zoom. Today’s story is ‘The Magi Show the Way to Bethlehem’ Matthew 2: 1-12.
AUDIO RECORDING of the full service and sermon will be available on the parish website.
ST. MARY’S FAMILY CHRISTMAS SERVICE! Join us “live” from St. Mary’s on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. for Christmas Eve Vigil and Service of Lesson and Carol with the Blessing of the Creche. Our goal on this Holy Night of the celebration of our Savior’s Birth is to hold a “virtual gathering” and to “liturgize” together, that is to en-act the Word of God in Scripture, song, and prayer. The service will be conducted from the sanctuary at St. Mary’s, and will include readings by parishioners from their homes, musical accompaniment on the organ for the singing of the carols at home. Please join us at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81587105842?pwd=clUvb1lVYjNiblZKemZvcGZ0bngwUT09.
Passcode, if needed, is 801954.
Please be on time, and ready yourself by hitting the “mute” button on your computer, turning off the lights in your home, and ready to light candles! Printed order of service will be delivered to your homes, and available on the website as well.
CHRISTMAS CARE PACKAGE will be delivered to parishioners homes next week, and will include church envelopes ( for those who have ordered them), a booklet of spiritual testimonies under COVID from St. Mary’s parishioners and the Christmas Eve order of service.
GOD OF THE ADVENT PROMISE FROM BISHOP ROB AND LETTER TO THE DIOCESE are available here:
HAND-DIPPED BEESWAX CANDLES from St. Mary’s may be purchased for $5.00 a pair by contacting Yvonne in the parish office. Parishioners can pick up their candles from the newly installed mailbox at the Montague St. entrance, and leave a cheque in the proper amount. Proceeds to Mary’s Refugee Fund.
ST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS CARDS. Additional sets of the Christmas cards made by Emma, Myka, Lucy, and Eli included in our Advent “Spiritual Care Package” may also be purchased from the office at cost of $5.00 in support of the St. Mary’s Refugee Fund.
St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, Advent 4, December 20, 2020
Revd. Canon Claude Schroeder, Sermon on Luke 1. 26-38.
Sermon Audio
Today we have come to the 4th Sunday in Advent, and our last Sunday in this season of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord. In our Gospel lesson today we heard the good news of The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, “And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” (Luke 1. 31) Today I want to reflect with you on the significance of the Virgin Mary and the role she plays in our faith.
Have you ever wondered why it is that we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? Back in the 1800s an anti-Christian historian proposed that this was an attempt by the Church to “Christianize” the ancient Roman pagan celebration of Saturnalia, which marked the return or re-birth of Saturn, the Roman sun god at the time of the winter solstice. For pagans, then and now, this was viewed as a hostile take-over by the Church of a good party.
