St. Giles’ Cathedral
Morning Service at 9.30am
Epiphany Sunday
Sunday 7th January 2024
Organ Music
Peter Tranchell Carol Voluntary
Charles Tournemire Epiphania Dominica
Introit
Blessed be his glorious name
Blessed be his glorious name for ever:
and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen
Text: Psalm 72 19
Music: George Thalben-Ball 1896-1987
Processional Hymn
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining;
low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
angels adore him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.
Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
odours of Edom, and offerings divine,
gems of the mountains and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favour secure:
richer by far is the heart's adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Text: Reginald Heber 1783-1826
Music: Was lebet, was schwebet CH4 327 Melody from the Rheinhardt M.S. Üttingen 1754
Invitation
Confession
Holy God, we confess to you and to each other, that we are creatures who through foolishness or wilfulness often choose darkness instead of light. Here and now we surrender to you our fears and proud opinions, our short-sighted folly and our pompous wisdom, our deep-seated sins and our apathy towards change and renewal. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.
Kyrie Eleison sung by the Choir
Kyrie Eleison
Christe Eleison
Kyrie Eleison
Missa brevis Andrea Gabrieli
Declaration of forgiveness
Gloria patri sung by the choir (Tone vi)
First Lesson Isaiah 60 1-6
Metrical Psalm
His large and great dominion shall
from sea to sea extend:
it from the river shall reach forth
unto earth's utmost end.
The kings of Tarshish, and the isles,
to him shall presents brings;
And unto him shall offer gifts
Sheba's and Seba's king.
Yea, all the mighty kings on earth
before him down shall fall;
And all the nations of the world
do service to him shall.
His Name for ever shall endure;
last like the sun it shall:
men shall be blest in him, and blest
all nations shall him call.
Now blessèd be the Lord our God,
the God of Israel,
for he alone doth wondrous works,
in glory that excel.
And blessèd be his glorious Name
to all eternity:
the whole earth let his glory fill.
Amen, so let it be.
Text: Psalm 72 vv 8, 10-11, 17-19 Scottish Psalter 1929
Tune: Effingham CH4 48 Melody from Musikalisches Handbuch, Hamburg 1690
The Gospel St Matthew 2 1-12
The Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into hell;
The third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
The Holy Catholic Church;
The Communion of Saints;
The Forgiveness of sins;
The Resurrection of the body,
And the Life everlasting.
The Offering
The Intercessions
Gloria in Excelsis sung by the choir
Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace, goodwill towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Missa brevis Andrea Gabrieli
Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Lift up your hearts
We lift them to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give our thanks and praise
Prayer
Sanctus
Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God of Hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Glory be to you, O Lord Most High.
Blessed is he that comes in the Name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest.
Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Agnus Dei
Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world,
Grant us your peace.
Holy Communion
During Communion the Choir sings
Omnes de Saba
All they from Saba shall come,
bringing gold and frankincense:
and showing forth praise to the Lord. Alleluia!
Text: Isaiah 60 6b
Music: Jakob Handl 1550-1591
Prayer
Hymn
March on, my soul, with strength,
March forward, void of fear;
He who has led will lead,
through each succeeding year;
And as you journey on your way,
His hand shall hold you day by day.
March on, my soul, with strength,
In ease you dare not dwell;
your Master calls you forth;
Then up, and serve him well!
Take up your cross, take up your sword,
And fight the battles of your Lord!
March on, my soul, with strength,
With strength, but not your own;
The conquest you shall gain,
Through Christ your Lord alone;
His grace shall power your feeble arm,
His love preserve you safe from harm.
March on, my soul, with strength,
From strength to strength march on;
Warfare shall end at length,
All foes be overthrown.
And then, my soul, if faithful now,
The crown of life awaits your brow.
Text: William Wright 1859-1924
Music: Christchurch CH4 236 Charles Steggall 1826-1905
Benediction
Organ Voluntary
Théodore Dubois Marche des Rois Mages
CCL Licence No 980930
Streaming Licence 57837
The service was conducted by The Rev Dr George J Whyte