Epiphany - Guide us to Thy perfect light!

- a sudden, intuitive perception of (or insight into) the reality or essential meaning of something.

- a Christian festival, observing the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles (in the persons of the Magi).

------

Here is a glimpse of our Call to Worship this last Sunday along with a song we sang to celebrate the Epiphany - the reality of Christ's birth being revealed to the Magi.  Have a wonderful week as the magic and mystery of the Advent of Jesus continues!!

"Disturb us, Lord.

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves.

When our dreams have come true, because we dream too little.

When we have arrived safely, because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when with abundance of things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the waters of life.

Having fallen in love with life, we have stopped dreaming of eternity.

And in our efforts to build a new earth, we have allowed our vision of the new heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas, where storms will show your mastery.  

Where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.

We ask you to push back the horizons of our hopes and to push into the future.

In strength, courage, hope and love."

-Sir Francis Drake-

Blessed be the God of Israel

(listen by clicking the link to the right)
Blessed be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free,
who visits and redeems us, and grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy, of freedom and release;
God shall fulfill the promise to bring our people peace.
Star of wonder, star of light!
Guide us to Thy perfect light!

On prisoners of darkness the sun begins to rise,
the dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner's eyes,
to guide the feet of pilgrims all along the paths of peace;
O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease!
Star of wonder, star of light!
Guide us to Thy perfect light!

For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold
when peace shall, over all the earth, its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing! 
Star of wonder, star of light!
Star of royal beauty bright!
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light!
Guide us to Thy perfect light!