Sunday 4th January 2026 - Second Sunday after Christmas

REFLECTION: Isaiah 60:1-6 “A light to the Nations”

Today we celebrate Epiphany. The dictionary definition of Epiphany is “a

moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become

conscious of, something that is very important to you.”

When we use Epiphany in its Christian senses, it refers to the manifestation of

Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matt 2:1–12). It is the

realization that the gospel is for all nations and not just for Israel. God’s light

has come to all people through Jesus Christ.

This prophecy in Isaiah is fulfilled firstly through the restoration of Jerusalem.

It refers also to Jesus the light of the world coming in to the world.

And finally, it refers to its ultimate fulfilment in the New Jerusalem. See

outline.

1. A prophecy for the fallen city of Jerusalem:

a. The Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you (2)

b. Nations shall come to your light (3)

c. Your sons shall come from far away (4)

d. The wealth of the nations shall come to you (5)

2. A prophecy for the coming of God’s salvation - Jesus

a. The brightness of his presence will be with you (2)

b. Kings will be drawn to the brightness of your dawn (3)

c. From Sheba, they shall bring gold and frankincense (6)

3. A prophecy of the New Jerusalem – The People of God

a. He showed me Jerusalem shining with the glory of God. Rev 21:10

b. The glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp Rev 21:23

c. The kings of the earth will bring their wealth into it Rev 21:24

To Think About:

What am I doing to reveal the glory of God to the nations of the world?

Hymns:

TIS 314 As with gladness men of old

MP 743 We’ll walk the land – let the flame burn brighter

MP 740 We three kings

MP 679 There’s a light upon the mountain

WATERING

We have lots of new plants that we have planted at our working bees. If you can

help with the watering, please see Jane Peters.

SUTS

Summer under the Son is the Annual CMS Victoria's flagship global missions

Conference. It features great speakers and is held at Syndal Baptist January 8-9

starting at 9:30am and with evening sessions from 6pm featuring Rev Dr

Christopher Chia from Singapore leading Bible Studies from the Book of Acts.

Cost $125 per day for adults and $90 for concession. Go to the website

WEDNESDAY GROWTH GROUP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL

Are both in recess over the holiday period.

OUR CHRISTMAS APPEAL

This year is supporting the building of St Paul's Anglican Church in Kodak,

South Sudan. Envelopes are in the pews. If you have questions, please ask

Oyem. Give generously.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 10th January – Rusty

THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR: Holy Trinity Balaclava & Elwood; The Diocese

of Canberra & Goulburn; Anglican Board of Mission; The Church of the Province

of Central Africa; St John’s Diamond Creek – Pastoral service.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 11th January: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29;

Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17.

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Mike, Cecil, Ruth,

Eva, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Noel, Dean, Amy, Chelsea, Paul,

Charles, Alan, Sally, Marla, Robert, Sherene, Shereen & Gloria.