Transfiguration Sunday
By Logan Rodgers
Pietro Perugino, c. 1500 The last Sunday of Epiphany, or the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday, is usually celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday in the Christian church. Jesus' early life, baptism, gathering of disciples, and first miracles culminate in this fantastic narrative of God's meeting on Mount Tabor. All three synoptic gospels tell the story of the transfiguration of Jesus (Matt. 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-36)—frequently a sign of the importance of an event from Jesus' life for the early Christian community. Also, it is referred to in Peter's second epistle – 2 Peter 1: 16-18 Jesus took his inner circle of apostles—Peter, James, and John—up a mountain, which in the Bible is a place of revelation, so it was clear something important was about to happen. The apostles saw Jesus as part of an important trio, including Moses and Elijah, symbols of Israelite tradition. As if that weren't spectacular enough, the voice of God itself appeared, uttering two thundering phrases: "This is my Son" and "Listen to Him." Several aspects make this event significant:
Raphael, c. 1520 How can we celebrate this event during our church year? Transfiguration Hymns to consider: From the New Century Hymnal – 182-184 From Lift Up Your Hearts – 130 and 131 From Hymns of Truth and Light – C8 and C9 From the Chalice Hymnal – 182 From Voices Together – 301 and 432 From Glory to God - 189-193 Transfiguration Anthems to consider: Shine Jesus, Shine! – Graham Kendrick – various arrangements available Transfiguration of Christ – Aaron Garber – Concordia Publishing House Holy Ground – Ken Medema – Hope Publishing Transfiguration Prayer – David DaSilva – World Library Publication Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies – Mark Sirett – Augsburg Publishing Who Is This Who Walks Among Us – Bob Moore – GIA Publishing Jesus on the Mountain Peak – Brian Wren and Michael Burkhardt – MorningStar See the Brilliant Glow Before Us – Diane Hannibal – Shawnee Press Shine on Us – arr. Victoria Schwartz – Shawnee Press Shine on Us, Lord Jesus – Lee Dengler – Shawnee Press
Carl Bloch, c. 1865 Prayers for Transfiguration: Matthew 17:1-13 God of all power, I glorify and magnify your name because of who you are. We thank you for the divine confirmation of your Son while he was here on earth and became the radiant glory. Your Son became transfigured before His followers; His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light! Lord, your power was evident in this transfiguration; we thank you for being who you are. Amen. Mark 9:2-9 Holy God, mighty and immortal, you are beyond our knowing, yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ, whose compassion illuminates the world. Transform us into the likeness of the love of Christ, who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity, the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Luke 9:28-36 God of Light, your Son was a perfect example of how to live as Christians here on earth. Thank you for His life and purpose. Lord, while your Son was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. I thank you for this account of the manifestation of your power because this example of your power gives us hope as we, too, hold this power within us. Lord, continue to be with us. Amen. Exodus 34:29 God of Righteousness, I give you all the glory due unto your name. Lord, I thank you for who you are - a God who does not let things remain the same in your divine presence. We see this with Moses as he came down from Mount Sinai, and his people were scared to come near him because his face shone after speaking with You. Lord, I pray that we become transfigured in Your presence. I pray that when people see us, they see you. Thank you, Lord. Amen. 2 Peter 1:16-18 Awesome Creator, I thank you for letting your people witness the transfiguration of your Son. They did not follow cunningly devised fables when they told the world the power and coming of you, but they were eyewitnesses of His Majesty. Your voice was heard when they were with Him on the holy mountain. Lord, I am grateful for your power that acted as proof for your followers so they could preach and teach the gospel. Amen. ■ — Used by permission of the Reformed Worship Magazine – reformedworship.org | A Message from The Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson Our First “Worship, Music & Ministry” Issue Singing Welcome to Outsiders within the Congregation Happy Upcoming 350th Birthday, Isaac Watts! Christians in Nigeria: A Follow-up Cliff’s Notes: A Jazz Opera Comes Alive TECH TALK: A Primer on Mixers and Amplifiers MUSIC DOWNLOAD CROSSES
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