As we gather, we recognize that we live, work, pray, and play
in the traditional lands
of the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People. 
We continue to commit ourselves
to the work of reconciliation and relationship-building
with our First Nations neighbours.     

Call to Worship:  

 God spoke of old by the prophets;
but in these last days
he has spoken to us by a Son.

Hebrews 1. 1-2

O Come, Let Us Worship

Collect for Purity
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by
the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Collect for Today
Eternal Father,
we give thanks for your incarnate Son, whose name is our salvation.
Plant in every heart we pray, the love of him
who is the Saviour of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you, and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.     Amen. 

The Proclamation of the Gospel:

Luke 2.15-21

Sermon:  The Ven.  Brian Evans

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of
our hearts be ever acceptable to you, O Lord.  Amen.

 What’s in a Name 

This is one of those great days in the Church when we have a choice of a variety of topics.
Actually, all this past week, we have had a variety of choices.

We could be celebrating St. Stephen’s Day, St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, The Holy Innocents. The list goes on.            

Then today, the church lectionary gives us 3 choices:

• Christmas 1,

• Epiphany, or

• the Naming of Jesus.

As you know, I chose the 'Naming of Jesus'. 

Naming has a long and varied history.

Historically, many cultures have, or have had, specific histories and rituals, traditions, and ceremonies; in our First Nations communities, 'Naming' is a significant time for each person and each child as they are birthed into the world. 'Naming' may be considered close to being a legal obligation to follow certain practices.            

In my own family, my oldest brother carried the name of our father. Our middle brother: that of my mother’s oldest brother.  And in my case, I carry my mother's name: the male version of Robina, or Robert, as my middle name.            

One of the earliest rituals of which we were reminded in Advent centered around the naming of John the Baptist.            

History tells us, leading up to the birth of John the Baptist, John’s father, Zechariah had been struck silent and could not speak. When it came time for the naming ritual to take place, the community attempted to dictate that John should be named after his father.            

Elizabeth says, 'No, he will be called John'.

The leaders then turn to Zechariah to indicate what the child’s name will be. Immediately, Zechariah’s speech returns and he says: “He will be called John.”     And so he was.        

Choosing this title, nearly two weeks ago, I had no idea where it may lead me. In my research, I discovered an article written by Amy Gilmore, a leading freelance writer.            

Ms. Gilmore reminds us of the following:

• The topic is challenging; 

• Names may describe a distinguishing rank, a title, an association;

• At the same time, a name is simply a name;

Gilmore gives credit to Shakespeare in his renowned play, Romeo and Juliet, in the 16th Century. In the play, Juliet is from the Capulet family, and Romeo is from the Montaque family.

The rest of the story has a familiar touch to it. The two families were feuding and they would not approve of their engagement.

We know how it goes: they fall in love and, despite the opposition of their respective, families they go off to live their lives. 

The famous line from the play comes from Juliet:

"What's in a name?
that which we call a rose.
By any other name,
would smell as sweet."            

What Juliet implies is, her name is only just that, a name. It does not define her.  She would be the same person regardless of her name. She simply implies a Rose is a Rose.            

Juliet’s remark runs counter to many theories around names and naming.

In the 1980’s , there was a popular book with a title similar to, 'What’s In A Name', found in many Christian Book Stores. When in seminary, I believe it may have been overused to suggest where our strenths and weaknesses may be.            

Not to leave you disappointed: there is a book with the title, 'What’s in A Name: Saskatchewan Place Names'.

One place in the book is “Ruthilda”, named after two little girls who were sitting on a step when the railway and engineer came through to give the town a name. The little girls were Ruth and Hilda.            

Beginning with the naming of John, we now turn to the naming of Jesus.        

The quote from Scripture comes from Luke’s Gospel:

The shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the child lying in the manger....
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child;
and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb."                      

A name which has many meanings. In Isaiah 9:6 we read (KYV)

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  

In the Bible alone, there are more than 150 different titles used in reference to Jesus Christ. However, some titles are much more common than others:

• Christ,

• Son of God,

• Lamb of God,

• New Adam,

• Light of the World,

• Lord,

• Logos (The Word),

• Bread of Life,

• Alpha and Omega,

• The Good Shepherd

The titles above are just a few of those that appear throughout the Bible, and as depicted in our bulletin:        

Just as John was named into a specific ministry, that of being The Baptizer, so too, for Jesus.            

At first sight, the name of Jesus may appear very common; at the same time, Paul reminds us in his challenging letter to the church in Philippi, there is more.

We may be good to hear it again: (Phil 2. 5-11)

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, (by our baptism, we are to be his agents, to be that "Christ-voice" in the world.)
who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. (we might not want to think of ourselves as slaves, but as a metaphor, it has so much powerand so much committment for us to consider )
And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.            

In that 'confession', Paul calls for us to give specific emphasis to that description of Christ in our lives, to the glory of God, reminding us of the 'Gloria' of the Eucharist. 

We are reminded, in identifying with Jesus, that we take on a phenomenal obligation, and Paul reminds us, something not to be exploited. 

Thanks be to God.  Amen. 

Let Us Pray

With wonder and thanksgiving for Christ’s coming into the world,
we pray for the church, the life of the earth, and the whole human family.  

Merciful God,
broaden the church’s hospitality and welcome.
Open our hearts to any in need of refuge and help,
especially those who are persecuted.
Prosper the work of all Immigration and Refugee Services.  

God of grace,
Hear our prayer. 

Life-giving God,
restore the health of the soil, the seas, and the air.
Increase the joy and praise of all living things.
In the coming year strengthen local, national, and
international efforts to prevent further harm to the environment. 

God of grace,
Hear our prayer. 

Liberating God,
deliver your people from cruel oppression.
Increase justice in every nation, and keep the dream of freedom alive.
In this new year, bring the blessing of peace and
put an end to violent conflict throughout the world.  

God of grace,
Hear our prayer. 

Uplifting God,
raise all who are bowed down by trouble and need,
especially individuals and families living in poverty.
Protect and nurture all children.
Sustain those who parent, teach, and care for the young. 

God of grace,
Hear our prayer. 

Abiding God,
accompany this community in the coming year.
Increase our love for one another, and the neighbours we serve.
Enrich our worship and deepen our faith.

Sustain Rev. Brian and Rev. Trish, Anna, our Bishop, and all who minister in your name.
We continue to ask for prayers for those in need:
Roy & Gail;  Daryl & Sue; Roy; John; Daryl & Joyce; Sheila; Carolyn; Flo;
Adriel; Catherine; Michelle; and those on our hearts.  

God of grace,
Hear our prayer. 

Loving God,
the holy innocents, who perish in every generation, are safe in your keeping.
We give you thanks, and praise, for all the faithful who
have gone before us into everlasting life with you. 

God of grace,
Hear our prayer. 

Pondering the mystery of eternal love made flesh in Christ Jesus,
we commend all for whom we pray to the mercy of God.  Amen. 

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth;
we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  
Who in the mystery of his incarnation was made
perfect man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother;
in Jesus we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.
Therefore with all the angels of heaven,
we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of praise
to proclaim the glory of your name. 

Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us.
And lead us  not into temptation, but deliver us fom evil.  
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power and the glory,
forever and ever.  Amen.

Gracious God,
When we share in the sacrament of the body and blood of your son, Jesus Christ,
We pray that we may be granted continued sharing of his ministry, 
and that we may turn, always, to that Name which is above all others,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

The Blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, 
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you, always.  Amen.