1 January 2023

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Bible readings for today

Isaiah 63:7-9
Psalm 148
Hebrews 2:10-18
Matthew 2:13-23

Liturgical Colour: ​WHITE

Collect

We thank you, Lord God, for the gift of your Son
whom you commanded to be called Jesus;
grant that we may so honour his name on earth,
​that others may be led to him who alone is Lord and Saviour. Amen.

E te Ariki e te Atua, e whakawhetai ana mātou ki a koe, mō tāu Tama,
i tākohatia ki a mātou, nāu te kī kia huaina ko Īhu;
meinga kia whakahōnoretia tōna ingoa e mātou i runga i te whenua,
kia aratakina mai ai ētahi atu ki a ia, ko ia anake te Ariki me te Kaiwhakaora.
​Āmine.

Jesus the refugee (Matthew 2:13-23)

In today's gospel reading, Mary and Joseph flee Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod. The reading order is a little out of sync this week, as the story next week is about the wisemen finding Jesus, which happened just before this passage! You may like to consider how you tell these two weeks as a shared story of Jesus' life. 

Jesus was a refugee - Lost Sheep

Australian author and illustrator, Andrew McDonough, has written a wonderful story for this gospel reading: Jesus was a Refugee. 
Watch the story (see right)
Purchase the story (Book Depository)
Illustrations and digital files (Lost Sheep)
Bookmarks (Lost Sheep)
Maze (Lost Sheep)

Psalm 148

Sons of Korah have a song about Psalm 148, which sets these beautiful words to music. You can use this song for:

• Worship  times
• Prayer reflection (it's quite upbeat!) but this youtube video has some great visuals. Play the song and then encourage the church to think of other things they want to praise God for. 
• Background music to set the scene or introduce today's learning, or using a game such as musical statues
• A song of celebration -- give children streamers, instruments and flags to dance and sing along
• A song for families to play at home during the week to reflect on the Psalm 148