Sunday, 7 January 2024 – Three Theophanies

Canon Matthew blesses the water for a baptism.

You can join the service, live or later, via YouTube. The stream begins at about 9:45 am, and the service begins at 10 am. You will also be able to watch or re-watch the stream on YouTube at any later time.

The order of service is available here. You might like to have it handy while joining the stream, as it includes the readings, all of the responses, and the words to the hymns–it makes it easier to join more fully into participating via the live-stream. It also includes particular prayers you might like to use while those physically present are receiving the Eucharist.

Today, we’re celebrating three feasts in one day–all of which are about God revealing God’s own self to the world. In the Epiphany of Our Lord, the magi visit with gifts–the occasion of God revealing that God comes into the world in Jesus not just for the people of Israel, but for all nations. In the Presentation of Our Lord, Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the Messiah–and give thanks for God’s faithfulness, even as they note that the path ahead will be hard for those who follow in the way of Jesus. And in the Baptism of Our Lord, we hear God recognising God’s own beloved Son and see the beginnings of Jesus’ public ministry. Alleluia–God dwells in our midst, shares our joys and pains and sorrows, and helps us in all we do. Thanks be to God–Alleluia!