Epiphany, 6 January 2008

Torah: Genesis 14: 17-24
Prophet: Isaiah 60:1-6, 9
Writing: Tobit 11:1-12:13
Psalm: 72
Epistle: Ephesians 3:1-12
Gospel: Mathew 2:1-12
Collect: Lord God almighty, by the light of a star you guided the Magi into the presence of Yeshua to give him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. So let the light of Yeshua shine out through our hearts, that those around us would be drawn to your presence to render you homage and accept you as Lord and Saviour. This we ask in the blessed name of Yeshua haMoshiach. Amen.

As is obvious from the reading and the collect, the Feast of the Epiphany is the time in which we celebrate the Magi or Wise Men who followed a star for two years to find the King of the Jews. Their arrival percipitated the death of the Holy Innocents (celebrated 28 December), and at the same time gave Yosef and Miriam the means (gold) to escape to Egypt. In terms of development, the Epiphany is one of the oldest feasts of the church, only Easter being older. Epiphany originally combined the nativity, visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus and the miracle of converting wine to water at the Wedding in Caana, and this is still the emphasis in the church of Armenia which has never accepted Christmas as a liturgical celebration. Epiphany continues to be the more important feast in the East. Epiphany also marks the beginning of Epiphanytide in which we concenttrate on the miracles of Jesus, and our need to manifest him to the word. Happy Epiphany.

First Sunday after Christmas: 30 December 2007

Torah: Numbers 6:1-26
Prophet: II Kings 14:1-30
Writing: Tobit 9:1-10:14
Psalm: 138
Epistle: Galatians 3:23-4:7
Gospel: John 1:1-18
Collect: Emanuel, you are the power which created the fiery sun and stars, the galaxies, and all that there is, yet you humbled yourself to be carried in the womb for nine months, and to be a little child, that you could dwell with us and be like us in all aspects save sin. Grant, Adonai, that we may fully appreciate what you did for us, that we would learn to humble ourselves in your sight, and truly allow Yeshua to be our guide. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh in glory everlasting. Amen.

Christmas Eve.

Torah: Genesis 3:1-11
Prophet: Isaiah 7:10-15
Gospel: Luke 2:1-20
Collect: Emanuel, as you were born to an obscure virgin, in a cave in a small village, we beseech you that you would seek the darkest reach of our hearts that you would be born there to illumine our lives and transform us into your image. This we ask through your most blessed name. Amen.

23 December: IV Advent

Torah: Numbers 5: 1-31
Prophet: II Kings 13:1-25
Writing: Tobit 7:1-17
Psalm: 20
Epistle: I Cor 12 & 13
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Collect: El Shaddai, when you sent your angel Gabriel to Miriam, she accepted your message, and put her faith in you to complete your word in her, that The Word, Yeshua would be born into the world. Aid us, that our faith would be equal to hers, trusting you for defense, and trusting that you would complete your word in us today. This we ask through your son, Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God, in shekina glory everlasting. Amen.

16 December 2007: Advent

Torah: Numbers 4:1-49
Prophet: II Kings 12:1-21
Writing: Tobit 6:1-19
Psalm: 73
Epistle: I Corinthians :1-34
Gospel: Mark 10:28-31
Collect: El Shaddai, your son Yeshua gave up his glory and his place at your right hand to come to Earth to save sinners. Help us, Adonai, that we would not put family, home, riches, or fame ahead of you, but that we would be willing to give up all for you, that we would receive the benefits of your kingdom. This we ask through your son, Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God, in shekina glory everlasting. Amen.

9 December: Advent II

Torah: Numbers 3:1-51
Prophet: II Kings 11:1-20
Writing: Tobit 6:1-19
Psalm: Psalm 118
Epistle: I Corinthians 10
Gospel: John 14:1-14
Collect: El Shadai, you sent Yeshua into the world to begin the kingdom, announcing by word and mighty acts that you were in the world. Open our hearts and minds through the power of the Ruach haKodesh, so that no matter when you return again, we will be prepared for that coming, living lives of holiness, and bearing much fruit. This we ask in the name of Adonai Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God, in shekina glory everlasting. Amen.