Notes on the Notes – January 12, 2025
Baptism of Jesus
This week’s music:
“In the Darkness Shines the Splendour” (VU #92)
“In the darkness shines the splendour of the Word who took our flesh,
Welcoming, in love’s surrender, death’s dark shadow at his creche.
Bearing every human story, Word made flesh reveals his glory.
Light of nations, veiled in history, born of woman’s flesh and blood,
Calling to the depths of mystery restless hearts that seek the good.
Healing every human story, Word made flesh reveals his glory.
Broken bread, sustaining us in sorrow, wine poured out to toast our joy;
Exodus and new tomorrow, life’s full promise to enjoy!
Gladdening every human story, Word made flesh reveals his glory.
All God’s people, sing in jubilation of the birth that sets us free,
Telling of the revelation: Jesus, God’s epiphany.
Celebrate the human story! Word made flesh reveals our glory.”
The words of our opening hymn draw our attention to Jesus as the incarnation of God’s glory. The third verse also connects us to the sacrament of communion. Bernadette Gasslein’s new hymn is set to the familiar tune IRBY, which is the tune for “Once in Royal David’s City,” composed by Henry John Gauntlett. The hymn was published in 1994 in the Canadian Catholic book of Worship III.
Hear the melody on pipe organ at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fc-XXz6zTW8
“Gloria” (VU #37)
“Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, gloria, alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest!
Glory to God, glory to God, hallelujah, hallelujah!”
This music was written by Jacques Berthier for the Taize Community. The English text by R. Gerald Hobbs and the music arrangement by Darryl Nixon were prepared for Songs for a Gospel People (1987). We will be using it as a response to the Words of Assurance.
“Down by the Jordan”
“Down by the Jordan, a prophet named John was baptizing,
Preaching a message the people found bold and surprising:
“God will forgive! Show that you’ll change how you live!
Surely God’s new day is rising!”
There by the river, the crowd came with great expectation:
“Are you God’s Chosen One, sent here to rescue our nation?”
“No!” John replied. “He who is mightier than I
Judges and offers salvation.”
Jesus, you went to be baptized along with the others,
Taking your place among sinners, God’s lost sons and daughters.
Then with great love, God’s Spirit came as a dove!
Your work began in those waters.
Here in the Church, we are baptized and filled with God’s Spirit.
Freed and forgiven, we’re welcomed with joy! Can you hear it?
This is God’s sign! This is how God says, “You’re mine!”
Let’s take the good news and share it!”
The text for this new hymn is by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2000). Through the lyrics, Gillette references the biblical stories from all four gospels around the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. The tune we will be using is ERNEUERTEN GESANGBUCH (1665), commonly known as the tune for the hymn, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (VU #220).
“Bread of Life, Feed My Soul” (MV #194)
“Bread of life, feed my soul,
As the presence of the Spirit makes me whole.
Bread of life, fill my heart
With the grace and mercy you impart.
I have heard your voice calling,
“Come, my friend, and share
In the feast that is laid out for you
To show how much I care.”
Bread of life, help me live
A life as pure and true as Jesus did.
Bread of life, help me see
The boundless love of Christ for you and me.
I have heard your voice calling,
“Come, my friend, and share
In the feast that is laid out for you
To show how much I care.”
Bread of life, feed my soul,
As the presence of the Spirit makes me whole.
Bread of life, fill my heart
With the grace and mercy you impart.”
This hymn from More Voices is a communion prayer for healing and guidance. The words and music were written by Stephen Spencer in 2005. The arrangement is by Rick Gunn (2005).
Hear Stephen Spencer sing his song and speak about the story behind it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5cYNFZk470
“I Have Called You by Your Name” (MV #161)
“I have called you by your name, you are mine;
I have gifted you and ask you now to shine.
I will not abandon you; all my promises are true.
You are gifted, called, and chosen; you are mine.
I will help you learn my name as you go;
Read it written in my people, help them grow.
Pour the water in my name, speak the word your soul can claim,
Offer Jesus’ body given long ago.
I know you will need my touch as you go;
Feel it pulsing in creation’s ebb and flow.
Like the woman reaching out, choosing faith in spite of doubt,
Hold the hem of Jesus’ robe, then let it go.
I have given you a name, it is mine;
I have given you my Spirit as a sign.
With my wonder in your soul, make my wounded children whole;
Go and tell my precious people they are mine.”
The lyrics of our closing hymn by Daniel Charles Damon have their root in Isaiah 43:1. This hymn is written from God’s perspective, saying “I have called you by your name, you are mine” and goes on to speak of God’s hope for us. It commissions us to have the courage to follow where God leads and reminds us of everyone’s value in God’s eyes.
Hear the hymn at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXEJmu_L5DQ
“Your Glory Shone at Jordan’s Stream” (VU #84 v. 3)
“Your glory shone at Jordan’s stream,
The font where we were born anew.
Attune your church to know you near;
Illumine all we say and do.”
We will be using the third verse of the hymn “O Radiant Christ, Incarnate Word” as our benediction response this week. The words were written by Ruth Duck in 1991. “Ruth was an internationally renowned hymnwriter who spent her life turning sacred words and ancient liturgies into hundreds of groundbreaking hymns which captured God’s inclusive love and heart for justice.” (Source: The Christian Century) We have used many of Ruth’s hymns in worship at Windsor Park United Church. She passed away recently, on December 26, 2024, at the age of 77.
Bonus videos – hymns by Ruth Duck:
Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom
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