Christ Church Lausanne - Weekly eNews (6 January)

Epiphany

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
   and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
   and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
   and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
   and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60.1-3

This week we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia meaning ‘appearance’ or ‘manifestation’. After the festivities of Christmas, Epiphany is a time when we wonder at the revelation of God to the world in Jesus Christ. The feast of Epiphany reminds us that the man born to be king will rule not by force but by love, reigning not from a throne but from a cross. Throughout this season we recall the public life and witness of Christ, his miracles and his unfailing compassion for others.

In our Gospel reading today, as we recall the arduous journey taken by the Magi following the star to Bethlehem, Matthew 2.1-12, we also reflect on the struggles that we may experience on our faith journey. We may face many challenges, in this new year 2023 but the message of Jesus Christ is one of hope and peace; he comes as a light to this troubled world. May we be always mindful that Jesus is the revelation of God’s unconditional love and may we always be channels of his peace and love.

Revd Maree Wilson

Prayer
Lord God come fill us with your grace;
Surround us with your love;
Keep us aware of your presence.
Help us to give ourselves this day to you. Amen

A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for those who are refugees living far from their homes.
We pray for the victims of the conflict and those who mourn.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold them and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen