The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

We will have some music as we gather together to help us become aware of the presence of God amongst us. (Celtic Harp for Christmas Tr10)

Leader: O God, come to our aid.

All: O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to

the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is

now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen. Alleluia.

After incense is lit, please join in the hymn.

When Jesus comes to be baptised, he leaves the hidden years behind,

The years of safety & of peace, to bear the sins of humankind.

The Spirit of the Lord comes down, anoints the Christ to suffering,

To preach the word, to free the bound, & to the mourner comfort bring.

Our everlasting Father, praise, with Christ his well-beloved Son,

Who with the Spirit reigns supreme, untroubled Trinity in one.

Please say the psalm & its antiphon as indicated.

All: The voice of the Father was heard from Heaven: ‘This is my Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to his word’.

Side 1: The Lord’s revelation to my Master: sit on my right. Your foes I will put beneath your feet.

Side 2: The Lord will wield from Sion your sceptre of power: rule in the midst of your foes.

Side 1: A prince from the day of your birth on the holy mountains: from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

Side 2: The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change, you are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.

Side 1: The Master standing at your right hand will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.

Side 2: He shall drink from the stream by the wayside and therefore he shall lift up his head.

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen .

All: The voice of the Father was heard from Heaven: ‘This is my Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to his word’.

Please sing the psalm & its antiphon as indicated.

Cantors: The Saviour crushed the head of the serpent in the river Jordan;

He released all people from his power.

Side 1: Happy are those who fear the Lord

And joyfully keep God’s commandments!

Side 2: Children of such as these will be powers on earth;

Each generation of the upright will be blessed.

Side 1: There will be riches and wealth for their families,

And righteousness stands firm forever.

Side 2: Even in the darkness, light dawns for the upright,

For the merciful, compassionate and righteous.

Side 1: These good of heart lend graciously,

Handling their affairs honestly.

Side 2: Kept safe by virtue, they are always steadfast

And leave an everlasting memory behind them.

Side 1: With a trusting heart and confidence in the Lord God,

They need never fear evil news.

Side 2: Steadfast in heart they overcome their fears;

In the end they will triumph over their enemies.

Side 1: Quick to be generous, they give to the poor;

Their righteousness stands firm forever.

Side 2: People such as these will always be honoured,

And this fills the wicked with fury.

Side 1: Grinding their teeth, they waste away,

Vanishing like their vain hopes.

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son,

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

World without end, Amen.

All: The Saviour crushed the head of the serpent in the river Jordan;

He released all people from his power.

Please say the canticle & its antiphon as indicated.

All: Today a great mystery is revealed to us: the creator of all things

released us from the bond of our sins in the river Jordan.

Side 1: Great and wonderful are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!

Side 2: Just & true are your ways, O king of the ages!

Side 1: Who shall fear & glorify your name, O Lord, for you alone are holy?

Side 2: All nations shall come & worship you, for your judgements have been revealed.

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it

was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

All: Today a great mystery is revealed to us: the creator of all

Things released us from the bond of our sins in the river Jordan.

Reading: Acts 10. 37 & 38

You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit & power, & how he went around doing good & healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him

Silent reflection – during which please use the water to bless yourself in some way if you wish.

Please stand and join in the Magnificat which will be sung to the tune of. ‘Amazing Grace’ after we have said the Magnificat antiphon together.

All: Jesus Christ has loved us & has purified us from our sins in his

blood. He has made us a kingdom & priesthood for God & his

Father. To him be glory & kingly power for ever.

My soul proclaims the Lord my God, my spirit sings his praise;

He looks on me, he lifts me up, and gladness fills my days.

All nations now will share my joy, his gifts he has outpoured;

His little ones he has made great; I magnify the Lord.

His mercy is for evermore; his name I praise again;

His strong right arm puts down the proud and raises lowly ones.

He fills the hungry with good things, the rich he sends away.

The promise made to Abraham is fulfilled by him each day.

Magnificat, Magnificat, Magnificat, praise God;

Magnificat, Magnificat, Magnificat, praise God.

Intercessions:

Reader: Let us pray to our redeemer who humbled himself to receive

baptism at the hands of John….. pause… In your love, Lord,