Worship Notes for Sunday, January 5, 2014
On Epiphany we celebrate the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem and the recognition that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of being a light to the nations and his coming is for all peoples. We begin by singing O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright—one of the many hymns by Ambrose who was the bishop of Milan in the 4th century. Ambrose was known for popularizing the singing of Psalms and hymns in Milan as well as for discipling and baptizing Augustine of Hippo.The Call to Worship from Psalm 27 reflects the theme of the Lord as our light and salvation and that we desire for Him to lead us and teach us in His paths. We continue by singing Glory Be to God the Father as we sing praise to the Father, Son and Spirit. In Come Ye that Love the Savior’s Name, we pray that we might proclaim the name of our Savior with great joy to all the nations around.
The New Testament Reading from Philippians 1 reminds us that God is working in us and will bring to completion His work, in His time, for His glory. Our Prayer of Confession comes from I Corinthians 1 and deals with what seems to be the foolishness of the cross but is in reality the foolishness of our worldly wisdom.
Our Hymns of Communion include The King Shall Come, an Epiphany text longing for the day of the reappearance of Christ, and the Psalm for January, O My Soul With All Thy Powers, that presents the Father’s loving care of His children for He has sealed our peace and our pardon. We conclude with As With Gladness Men of Old that takes the story of the Magi and applies it to our own hearts that we would be led to Christ, seek His mercy, and bring all our treasures to His feet. May the Lord indeed lead us in such a way in 2014!
http://www.cornerstonepresfranklin.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Cornerstone-Bulletin-01.05.14.pdf
