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Sunday 10th January 2021

Introduction by Alastair Robertson  

Good morning, and welcome to online worship from Peebles Old.

Today is the 10th January. Christmas tide ended officially on Wednesday, with the day we call Epiphany or Twelfth Night. Decorations have come down!

Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men who visited Jesus.

But it’s also the beginning of a new season. Epiphany means “revelation’ and we think of how Christ was and is revealed to the world - starting with those Magi.

Even our bells ringing out over Peebles are part of that revelation to the world. And when they stop, we start with that wonderful Epiphany Hymn “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness”.

1st Sunday after Epiphany

HYMN: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness

PRAYER

Said by Rev John Smith

Holy Jesus, before your infant form sages bowed the knee
and acknowledged your lordship over all power and wisdom.
Grant us also clear vision and courage that in the light of your light
we may devote ourselves to your service,
even when that means going home by another way.

Bright Morning Star,
your light has come, and the birth of Jesus
has overwhelmed us with joy.
Like the magi of long ago,
may we be drawn to you and offer you such gifts as we are able.

O God of light and peace,
whose glory, shining in the child of Bethlehem,
still draws the nations to yourself:
dispel the darkness that shrouds our path,
that we may come to kneel before Christ in true worship,
offer him our hearts and souls,
and return from his presence to live as he has taught. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

LESSON

 Read by Marjory Cassells
Isaiah 60; 1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD
has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the
peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear
over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of
your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they
come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your
daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and
rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of
Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring
gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

HYMN: Brightest and best

REFLECTION

PRAYER

Said by Rev John Smith

God of revelation,
as we gather in praise for all that you have shown us of your Son,
we remember the many needs of your world.

We pray today for all those who suffer the pain of loneliness.
Through the compassion and care of those who know and surround
those who are lonely, may they come to rejoice in the knowledge
that they are valued and loved. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray today for those who suffer deep anxiety, worried about
things in their lives, or in their future that they feel unable to change.
Grant them peace, and the gift to be able reach out to those who
can listen and support. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

And we pray today for those in our world whose lives are
diminished by hunger or thirst, oppression or warfare, disease or
natural disaster. Strengthen the hands of those who work for peace
and healing. We think especially of those affected by Covid19.
May the whole world benefit from the work of scientists who
produce the vaccines to challenge this awful virus. Bless their
endeavours with success. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God,
that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit
working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in
one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendour.
Amen.

HYMN: As with gladness men of old

THE BLESSING

Said by Rev John Smith

The Light of the Star, the light of God’s love, shines before you this
day. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love to meet God’s people in the
world and greet them with the good news of salvation.

And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you all
today, and in all the days to come.
AMEN

Voluntary

Thank you for being with us today. Before you go please visit the Ministers' Messages page HERE

5 thoughts on “Sunday 10th January 2021

  1. Rev Dr Alison Longworth

    Thank you for the service today. In Perth Western Australia we are experiencing a heat wave and the sun is shining strong. We are able to worship together and today I was able to lead worship with a small congregation in a retirement village where I was the minister until a few years ago. We focused on the Baptism of Jesus and remembered a special baptism in the congregation some years ago when I baptised two elderly members of the congregation. Now I have found it meaningful at the end of the day to participate in your online service and reflect again on the meaning of Epiphany. Thank you and God bless you all.

    Reply
  2. Drew

    So comforting to hear and to enjoy familiar voices. Well done, Tom, for your solo.
    Best wishes to John, and to all the congregation for 2021.

    Reply
  3. Rachel Dobie

    Thank you everyone. I really appreciated the service, and the great outburst of praise in the first hymn really worked.

    Reply
  4. Pamela Strachan

    It certainly did work, not least because we saw all those fresh young faces singing so joyfully in Chester Cathedral. Let's hope we can encourage similar young people to our worship in the Old Parish after lockdown.
    Thank you all who contributed to this service; wonderful to hear familiar voices.

    Reply

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