Worship on Transfiguration Sunday
Sacrament of Holy Communion 10:00 am March 02, 2025
Minister: Rev. Brad Childs Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Rom Rhoad Reader: Godrey Esoh, Jr
Welcoming Elder: Heather Tansem
We gather to worship God
Music Prelude
Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: And also, with you
Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship
Call to worship:
L: Well, here we are this day, gathered together so we can worship our God together.
P: Some of us here for the music, and some for the friends, and some for the cookies and coffee.
L: And we are all here because of God.
P: Now is the time to give thanks, to unload our hearts, to share our lives, and to hear the Story again.
L: So, friends, let us worship God.
Opening praise: I lift my eyes up
Prayers of approach and apologies
Loving God, you show Yourself to us in so many ways.
In bright sunlight and soft whispers,
on high mountains and flat fields,
in classrooms and hospital rooms,
in our homes and our churches,
in quiet moments in nature and the noise of the city.
Your presence comforts us, pushing away our fears, and Your touch helps us overcome our doubts.
We come to celebrate how good You are, to focus on Your light, and to give You all our praise and thanks, for You are our God, and we are Your people, now and forever.
In Your mercy, please hear us as we confess our mistakes:
Compassionate God, as we stand in Your light,
we admit the things that keep us from sharing Your goodness.
We often get distracted, wanting more than we need.
We focus on our own disappointments instead of trusting the bright future You have for us.
We feel disheartened by the struggles of this pandemic and sometimes miss the hope You offer us through Christ.
Change us with Your grace, and help us be followers of Christ each day. Amen.
Response: We come to ask your forgiveness
Assurance of God’s forgiveness
Do not be afraid. God’s forgiveness shines into our lives.
The light of hope rises in our hearts, and we are made new.
Know that you are forgiven, and in Christ’s name,
remember to forgive each other as well.
We listen for the voice of God
Song: We have come at Christ’s own bidding (187)
Scripture readings: Exodus 34:29-35 & Luke 9:28-36
Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
Message: Not horns but rays of light
One of the people’s greatest tragedies would be living in darkness when they could live in the light …
Rose Crawford had been blind for 50 years. Then, she had an operation in an Ontario hospital. She said, “I just can’t believe it,” as the doctor lifted the bandages from her eyes. She wept – when, for the 1st time in her life, she saw a dazzling and beautiful world of form and colour greet her eyes, and she could now see.
As a side note, I remember my mother telling me once that as a child, she believed trees to be large green cotton-like amorphous blobs—until she received her first pair of glasses. With clearer vision, she saw individual leaves for the first time and understood the world in a new and more detailed way.
With that aside, the fantastic thing about Rose’s story is that about 20 years of her blindness was utterly unnecessary. Rose didn’t know, but recent surgical techniques had been developed and available for over two decades, which could have restored her sight much earlier. She had assumed that her condition was hopeless, and had resigned herself to living in darkness. And she’d been through quite a few physicians over the years, and what was perhaps most important had slipped through.
When Rose finally underwent the surgery, she experienced a profound transformation. Seeing the world in vivid colour for the first time, she was overwhelmed with joy, awe, and gratitude. Flowers, faces, skies, and everything she touched revealed life’s new and wondrous dimension.
Reflecting on her journey, Rose could not help but think of the many others living in similar darkness—physically and spiritually. Her story became a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and a reminder of how often we might miss opportunities for change because we are unaware of what is possible.
Just as Rose had been blind to the physical light available to her, many people go through life unaware of the spiritual light available through faith and belief.
In the reading from Exodus, we have this strange scene. It is the second time Moses has come down from Mt. Sanai with the tablets of the Ten Commandments. These are the replacements for the first set; Moses broke physically in response to people’s breaking of the first two literally as they bowed before the golden calf.
Now, the story says that the glory of God was reflected upon Moses’ face after meeting with the Lord. And the way it is put has confused and confounded people for years. A plain English reading clearly says that Moses had an encounter with God, and as a result, his face physically glowed with light. If you have ever seen a religious painting or a picture of an angel, that is what the Halo around their heads is supposed to be depicting. It’s supposed to be an emanating light from someone who has encountered God.
Now, the Hebrew words here are really and oddly specific. It says that the actual skin of Moses’ face glows and shines with Karen’s “radiance” or “rays of light.”
Now, in an odd twist of fate, this verse was translated from Hebrew into Latin for the Latin Vulgate edition of the Bible, which the Catholic Church deemed a perfect translation. This was the only official translation of scripture that they allowed to exist. Many early protestant leaders were executed because they chose to translate the Bible into English, French or German. That was a serious crime, you see, because God (they said) had already handed down a perfect edition to the Holy Roman Church.
But there is one big problem with that. When this verse about Moses was translated into Latin, the translator took the very literal meaning of Karan (for “rays of light”). And the exact word for word of that in Latin would be, “and his skin grew horns.”
The phrase Kanan figuratively describes the tops of the flickering flames (horns of light). When the phrase was written in Latin, it translated Karan as “Moses’ face grew horns.”
Unfortunately, this “perfect” translation of this morning’s text then led to the very rampant belief throughout the Middle Ages (and especially in France) that Jews had horns. Interestingly, if you have ever seen Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, you might recall seeing that Moses had two short horns atop his head; so much for God’s perfect Latin translation. Luckily, the Roman Catholic Church officials allowed another translation of this verse to be considered authoritative… after just 500 years.
Now, a little closer to the source, it might be worth noting that in ancient Mesopotamian literature, there was a concept called “fearless radiance,” which suggests that after meeting a deity, a person would shine with light and so have to hide their face. Thus, certain religious priests wore unique masks while meeting their gods. Because of this, some have suggested that this portion of the story exists as an anti-myth polemic… which is a fancy to say, “an insult.” See, if the other traditions in the Sanai area used masks in cultic worship to hide their faces as proof that they had met with God, the God of the Hebrews would prove their God better by making Moses’ actual face glow with a shockingly bright light for all to see as proof that Moses had indeed met the divine.
Some see this story as a compelling statement which was meant to say to the people, “God does not want statues of animals or people behind masks to represent his glory but rather… otherwise ordinary human beings are to show God’s glory in how they live out the commandments God has given.
In his Commentary, Dr. John Durham states that nobody knows the answer to the question of what’s going on here or how it is intended to be taken. He says, “In fact, we simply do not have enough information to enable us to form any clear understanding of what is meant by the use of קרן (Karan) to describe what happened to the skin of Moses’ face as a result of his close communion with Yahweh (the LORD), but the key must certainly lie in Yahweh (the LORD) and not in Moses… It is at least possible that קרן (Karan) was deliberately used [rather than [the much more common]word הֹאִיר for “shine or give light,”… because the narrator intended to suggest a light that was separate from Moses’ person, [something God did through His glory, and NOT something that came from Moshe.]
Whether you see the Karan of light God placed around Moses as an affront to masks or idols, as a trustworthy, literal physical and miraculous glow or even if you think the bit more exact word-for-word rendering (horns) is faithful, it is up to you. Moses was growing horns, whether figurative or literal; whatever you believe, the point is unchanged. Moses comes down from his very secluded time with God, having absorbed the brightness of Yahweh’s Presence, and thus Moses is visibly different in some way because of that. He is changed! And people can see it! THEY SEE IT ON HIS FACE!!!
The apostle Paul talks about Christ in this verse from Exodus. In 2 Cor. 3:16-18 he says, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the mask is taken away. Now, the Lord is the Spirit; where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all (with unmasked faces) contemplate the Lord’s glory and are being transfigured into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit”.
The Message Bible says, ” And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”
The problem is we aren’t always very good at it. I’m not very good at it, at least.
Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who actively opposed the Nazi regime and its policies. He is best known for his book “The Cost of Discipleship,” where he explores what it means to follow Christ. He ultimately paid the ultimate price for his faith and resistance to tyranny, sacrificing his life for the principles he believed in. His story resonates with the call to “take up our cross” and follow Jesus, as he embodies self-denial and commitment to God’s mission.
C.S. Lewis warned us. He wrote, “The safest road to Hell is the gradual, gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, milestones, and signposts.”
In a small town, a girl named Lily had a medical condition that kept her in and out of the hospital. Despite her challenges, she radiated a contagious sense of joy. Each time she had a procedure, she would bring her bright red balloon, symbol of hope and happiness. The medical staff came to know Lily well, often greeting her with smiles and encouragement as she brightened their day, even when in pain.
One winter, after several weeks of treatments, Lily was at her hospital for one of her routine procedures. As she lay in her hospital bed, anxiously waiting for the doctor, she noticed a new nurse—Kim—looking visibly stressed and weary. Kim had been working long hours, and the holidays were approaching, making her feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the season’s joy.
Lily, recognizing that familiar heaviness decided to do something special. Determined, she took her red balloon, which seemed to glow brightly in the dim hospital room, and asked the nurse to come closer. Lily said, “Would you like to hold my balloon? It’s my favourite colour—it always reminds me that there’s light and hope even in the toughest times!”
Kim hesitated, a bit puzzled, but took the balloon. A smile broke through her exhaustion as she felt its softness and looked at the vibrant red against the stark whiteness of the hospital walls. “Thank you, Lily. I needed this today,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Lily shared stories about the things she loved—her family, the holidays, and her dreams for the future. She radiated hope and joy with each word, lighting the room around her. The hospital, often a place of sorrow and uncertainty, became a space of warmth, laughter, and light. Kim felt the weight on her shoulders lift as they chatted, finding a renewed sense of purpose in the simple connection with Lily.
A few days later, Lily was discharged, and before she left, she handed the balloon to Kim. “Keep this balloon. Whenever you’re feeling down or tired, remember that there’s always hope,” she said. Kim accepted it, tears of gratitude in her eyes, knowing that the light Lily radiated would stay with her long after the balloon floated away.
Months passed, and one day, Kim had a particularly tough day at work. Pulling out the red balloon on her desk, she reflected on the joy Lily had brought into her life during such a challenging season. Inspired by Lily’s spirit, Kim began to make small changes in her attitude. She started looking for ways to encourage other patients, knowing how important it was to share light during darkness.
In the same way, may we all seek to be red balloons to those around us, sharing joy and hope and radiating the light of God in a world that desperately needs it.
I don’t know exactly what happened to Moses. And I don’t care. The message is unchanged. Whatever it was, people saw him differently. Like a newly expectant mother, something was different. They knew he had an authentic encounter with God, and his light clarified that.
Not everyone is Moses. You may not reach hundreds of thousands with the light of Christ. That’s okay; likely, neither will I
As we prepare to leave this sacred space, may you go forth into the world with the light of Christ shining brightly within you.
May you be empowered to radiate hope to those lost in darkness, encourage the weary, and bring joy to the sorrowful.
May you carry the spirit of love and kindness, becoming beacons of light wherever you go, transforming the lives of those you encounter.
May your hearts be open to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you to act with compassion and grace.
And as you share the light of God in your daily lives, may you be reminded that you are never alone; His presence goes with you, now and forevermore.
May peace and joy be with you all in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Song: You, Lord, are both lamb and shepherd (356)
We respond to serve God.
Our time of giving
Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves
Gracious God, we come before You with thankful hearts. Thank You for the gift of life and the blessings of family, friends, and community. We are grateful for the love and support we share with one another, which reflects Your caring nature.
Help us to appreciate the beauty in our lives, both the big moments and the small joys, and to recognize Your presence in every experience.
We also lift up those who are in need today—those who are struggling, lonely, or facing challenges. May they feel Your comfort and support through us and through others.
Guide us to be instruments of Your love, sharing kindness and compassion with everyone we encounter. Amen.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
We gather at this sacred table to remember and celebrate the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who invites us to share in this holy meal. The table is open to all who seek Him. Come, not because you must, but because you may; not because you are strong, but because you seek to be strengthened in His presence.
Song: I come with joy (530)
The Apostles’ Creed (539)
The Communion Prayer (Words of Institution)
Gracious God, we thank You for this sacred moment. We recall the last supper that Jesus had with His disciples, where He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and said, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In a similar way, after supper, He took the cup, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”
As we partake in this meal, O Lord, may we experience the presence of Christ among us and know the depth of Your love and grace.
Sharing of the Bread and Wine
The table is now set. We invite you to come forward and partake in the body of Christ, represented by this bread, and His blood, symbolized in this cup.
Song: One Bread, One Body (540)
Prayer After Communion
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this meal and the grace we have received. Strengthened by the body and blood of Christ, may we be empowered to live boldly in faith, reflecting Your love and light in the world.
Help us to carry this spirit of communion into our daily lives, embodying the unity we share as one body in Christ. May our hearts be open to Your leading, and our hands ready to serve those in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Song: Lord, the light of your light is shining (176)
Sending out with God’s blessing
As we prepare to leave this sacred space, may you go forth into the world with the light of Christ shining brightly within you.
May you be empowered to radiate hope to those who are lost in darkness, encourage the weary, and bring joy to the sorrowful.
May you carry the spirit of love and kindness, becoming beacons of light wherever you go, transforming the lives of those you encounter.
May your hearts be open to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you to act with compassion and grace.
And as you share the light of God in your daily lives, may you be reminded that you are never alone; His presence goes with you, now and forevermore.
Response: The blessing
Music postlude
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The Communion liturgy is based on the liturgies of the PCC’s 1991 Book of Common Worship. Numbers in brackets after a song/hymn indicate that it is from the 1997 Book of Praise of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Those and other songs are being used in accordance with the specifications of Dayspring’s licensing with One License (3095377) and CLC (A735555).
The Rev. Brad Childs retains the copyright (© 2024) on all original material in this service. As far as Brad Childs is aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is his own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.