VERSION: 25 July 2001
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
(6 January)
Epiphany may fall on any day of the week. When it falls on a weekday, many congregations celebrate it on the Sunday before or after. However, it should not regularly replace the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after Epiphany), and neither should it overshadow the celebration of Christmas. The LCA's Department of Liturgics suggests the following guideline: 'That Epiphany be celebrated either on 6 January or on the Sunday between 2 January and 8 January, and that the Baptism of our Lord be omitted when Epiphany is celebrated on a Sunday after 6 January'.
Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Epiphany season and time after' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
LITURGY
SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. (Isa 60:1 NRSV)
OR
You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. (Matt 2:6 NRSV)
OR, use the standard Epiphany Sentence in the document 'Epiphany season and time after', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
OR, use one of the general Sentences in the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
INTRODUCTION TO CONFESSION
Friends in Christ:
Jesus says: 'I have come as light into the world,
so that everyone who believes in me
should not remain in the darkness.'
Let us therefore confess our sins
to God our Father,
and ask him in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ
to forgive us.
OR
Friends in Christ:
St Paul says that in union with Christ
and through faith in him
we have the boldness to go into God's presence
with all confidence.
Let us therefore draw near to God with a true heart
to confess our sins,
and ask him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
to forgive us.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
The following variation of the 'Lord, have mercy', or the variation suggested in the document 'Epiphany season and time after', under 'Liturgy', 'Lord, have mercy' (in the 'General and seasonal' folder), may be used on this day.
Lord Jesus Christ, light of the nations, hear our prayer and save us.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus Christ, star of Jacob, hear our prayer and help us.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus Christ, glory of Israel, hear our prayer and give us peace.
Lord, have mercy.
PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Tradiitonal
O God,
as you revealed your only Son
to the nations
by the leading of a star:
Grant that we who know you now by faith
may be led to see you in your glory;
through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, modernised traditional
Lord God,
you revealed your only Son to the nations
by the leading of a star.
Lead us, who know you now by faith,
to see you in your glory.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, new (revised alternative)
(Let us pray that people of all nations come to faith in Christ. [silence])
Eternal God,
you led the wise men by the shining of a star
to adore your Son.
Guide the nations by his light,
so that the whole world sees your glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
FIRST READING
Isaiah 60:1-6 The nations will come to the light
PSALM
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14
Antiphon:
All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.
(Psalm 72:7 NRSV)
SECOND READING
Ephesians 3:1-12 God reveals his age-long purpose in Christ
ALLELUIA VERSE (Matt 2:2 RSV)
Alleluia, alleluia.
We have seen his star in the east,
and have come to worship him. Alleluia.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 2:1-12 Wise men worship Christ the king
The words 'Light of the world' could be added to the gospel acclamations, giving:
Glory to you, O Lord, Light of the world.
Praise to you, O Christ, Light of the world.
PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ (, Light of the world).
Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to the Gentiles,
so that they could worship you.
Lead us also to worship you.
Amen.
OFFERING PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for shining on us
with the brightness of your presence.
Lead us always to worship Christ our king,
and to reflect your light to others
by lives of loving service.
Amen.
OFFERING OF GOLD, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH
Children may be involved in the service at Epiphany by bringing forward the symbolic offering of gold, frankincense and myrrh (if you can find some! - or use symbolic representations or exotic looking jars, appropriately labelled) at the offertory. The following prayers may be used. Alternatively, children may bring other gifts that they have made to the altar as part of the offertory procession.
Gold:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe :
we praise and glorify you forever!
As gold is tested in the furnace and purified in the fire,
so purify our hearts and minds,
so that we may be a royal priesthood,
pleasing to you as we serve you in your kingdom.
Blessed be God forever!
Incense:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe:
we praise and glorify you forever!
As our prayer rises before you like incense,
so may we be presented to you
with repentant hearts and uplifted hands
to offer ourselves in your priestly service.
Blessed be God forever!
Myrrh:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe:
we praise and glorify you forever!
As you give medicine to heal our sickness
and the leaves of the tree of life for the healing of the nations,
so anoint us with your healing power,
so that we may be the first fruits of your new creation.
Blessed be God forever!
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
Our heavenly Father has rescued us from darkness, and brought us into his wonderful light through his Son Jesus Christ. We pray to him that his light may shine in the darkness of our world.
The regular response, OR:
Heavenly Father,
shine your light on us.
Suggested petitions
*
|
for those who pass on the apostolic message of the gospel
|
*
|
for missionaries, both in other countries and here at home
|
*
|
for all nations, that the light of Christ shines on them
|
*
|
for our own nation, that its leaders and people pursue peace and justice
|
*
|
for those who say they are Christians but do not practise their faith
|
*
|
for those who are wealthy, that they share their wealth as a gift to the poor
|
Concluding prayer
Father, make us walk in your light, and shine in the darkness of our world, so that all may see your life-bringing light. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
SEASONAL PREFACE
It is indeed right and good,
Lord God, holy Father,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
You have sent your only Son
to appear among us as a human being,
and through him
you have fully revealed
the light of your presence to us.
And so, with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we adore and praise your glorious name:
COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus says:
'The bread that God gives
is he who comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.'
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
A seasonal post-communion prayer for Epiphany may be found in the seasonal notes for Epiphany. If the third prayer given above under 'Prayer of the day' has not already been used, it may be used at this point in this modified form:
Eternal God,
you led the wise men by the shining of a star
to adore your Son.
Guide the nations by his light,
so that the whole world sees your glory,
and gathers at his table
in the feast of heaven.
For he lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
SEASONAL BLESSING
This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.
God the Father
show you the light of his glory
in the face of his Son,
so that you may be a light to the world; . . .
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Live your life in joyful homage to Christ the king.
Thanks be to God. OR In the name of Christ. Amen.
HYMNS AND SONGS
FOR THE READINGS
Please note: * = Modernised version available
G3, G4 . . . = Guitar chords available in the current Music Package 3, 4 . . .
GS = Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH
First reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
LHS
16
|
Hail to the Lord's Anointed G6
|
43
|
Gentiles, rise to greet the morning G7
|
45
|
Hail, Thou source of every blessing* G4
|
222
|
Thou whose almighty word G6
|
AT
TIS
275
|
Hail to the Lord's anointed
|
447
|
Lord, your almighty word
|
566
|
Lord Jesus, if the same you are
|
675
|
Lord, the light of your love is shining
|
Second reading: Ephesians 3:1-12
LHS
38
|
In peace and joy I now depart* G4
|
41
|
O Jesus, King of glory* G4
|
44
|
Thou light of gentile nations* G4
|
45
|
Hail, Thou source of every blessing* G4
|
47
|
Songs of thankfulness and praise* G4
|
799
|
In Christ there is no east or west G7
|
898
|
Now Lord, you let your servant go GS
|
900
|
O Lord, now let your servant G6
|
AT
104
|
Now, Lord, you let your servant go
|
TIS
164
|
The great love of God
|
324
|
Lord, bid your servant go in peace
|
459
|
In Christ there is no east or west
|
636
|
God has spoken to his people
|
733
|
Lord God, you now have set your servant free
|
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
LHS
16
|
Hail to the Lord's Anointed G6
|
29
|
Come, your hearts and voices raising G4
|
40
|
As with gladness men of old G7
|
42
|
Earth has many a noble city* G4
|
46
|
Angels from the realms of glory G7
|
147
|
O Morning Star, so bright and fair* G3
|
749
|
When Christ's appearing was made known G6
|
751
|
Wise men, they came to look for wisdom G6
|
AT
199
|
I know where I'm going
|
371
|
We are all the wise men
|
TIS
199
|
Lord Jesus, our bright Morning Star
|
275
|
Hail to the Lord's anointed
|
291
|
Earth has many a noble city
|
297
|
Come, your hearts and voices raising
|
304
|
O come, all ye faithful (esp v 4)
|
307
|
The Virgin Mary had a baby boy
|
309
|
Angels from the realms of glory
|
310
|
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning
|
314
|
As with gladness men of old
|
454
|
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness
|
New hymn
Star over Bethlehem (see document 'Epiphany season and time after', under 'New hymn', in the 'General and seasonal' folder)
EPIPHANY SECTIONS OF 'LUTHERAN HYMNAL WITH SUPPLEMENT'
All of the hymns in the Epiphany sections of the Lutheran Hymnal with Supplement (37-47, 747-751) will be suitable for this day, but be aware that they will also be applicable for the following Sundays, so don't use them all at once! Here are a few suggestions for their use:
Use this one for Transfiguration.
38
|
In peace and joy I now depart*
|
Especially relevant to the festival of the Presentation (2 Feb). It may also be used as a post-communion canticle.
39
|
O Christ, thou Lord eternal*
|
A beautiful, general Epiphany hymn, notable in that it is one of the few very early Reformation hymns written by a woman.
40
|
As with gladness men of old
|
The classic Epiphany carol. Use this one as an offertory or pre-communion hymn.
41
|
O Jesus, king of glory*
|
The heading in the Hymnal suggests that this is based on Matt 2:1-12, but really it is much more general, and can be used throughout the season.
42
|
Earth has many a noble city*
|
Use this one on Epiphany itself.
43
|
Gentiles, rise to greet the morning
|
An opening hymn for use in a morning service.
44
|
Thou light of gentile nations*
|
A hymn for the festival of the Presentation (2 Feb). Especially appropriate in the evening or as a closing hymn, it may also be used for the post-communion canticle.
45
|
Hail, thou source of every blessing*
|
Use this for an opening hymn, or for a pre-communion hymn.
46
|
Angels from the realms of glory
|
A Christmas carol that doubles for an Epiphany hymn on the basis of verse 3. Note the traditional French tune Iris, not in LH, with the refrain 'Gloria in excelsis Deo!' which is probably better known. See the Oxford Book of Carols, or other popular Christmas carol book, or TIS.
47
|
Songs of thankfulness and praise*
|
Use as a hymn of the day or even of the season. Covers all the Epiphany seasonal themes from the old 1-year lectionary.
747
|
How good, Lord, to be here
|
Save this one for Transfiguration
748
|
When Christ our Lord to Jordan came
|
Save this one for First Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of our Lord), unless observing Epiphany on this day. Note the resetting of the hymn to Greensleeves in the First Sunday after Epiphany documents - under 'Baptismal hymns' (A), 'Baptismal hymns' (B), 'Baptismal hymns' (C).
749
|
When Christ's appearing was made known
|
Covers the traditional Epiphany and post-Epiphany themes according to the old 1-year lectionary: Wise men, baptism of Jesus, changing water into wine.
750
|
When Jesus lived among us
|
Applicable for the whole season from Christmas to Transfiguration. Note especially the transition into the Lenten theme in the last verse. The last verse also makes it a good pre-communion hymn.
This one is probably best used on Epiphany itself. It could be a good offertory hymn.
*Modernised version available
'ALL TOGETHER' SONGS SUITABLE FOR EPIPHANY
17
|
Emmanuel: God is with us
|
104
|
Now, Lord, you let your servant go
|
126
|
The light of Christ
Any songs to do with the light of Christ are appropriate.
|
128
|
I am the light of the world
Probably the most appropriate of all the light-theme songs, this one is a good sending-out song.
|
137
|
I heard the voice of Jesus
|
162
|
King of kings and Lord of lords
|
165
|
He is the King of kings
These choruses are appropriate for Epiphany. If a procession is held at Epiphany, these are easy to remember and could be sung for as long as the procession takes.
|
199
|
I know where I'm going
Not a well-known song, but suitable for a soloist to sing at Epiphany.
|
221
|
They were waiting
This may seem like an Advent hymn, but the second half of each verse proclaims the Advent as an accomplished event. Verse three touches on the wise men.
|
244
|
We have seen the Word of life (v 4)
|
307
|
Walking in the light of God (It is a great thing)
|
344
|
The New Road (esp vv 1-4, 8)
|
358
|
Gift to the world
Theme of gift-giving, a good offertory.
|
371
|
Singing glory
OK for Christmas, excellent for Epiphany. Perhaps could be used for the hymn of adoration (instead of Gloria).
|
389
|
Light of the nations
Especially good for the festival of the Presentation (2 Feb). Could be used as a response to prayers.
|
409
|
We are marching in the light of God
|
EPIPHANY HYMNS/SONGS FROM 'TOGETHER IN SONG'
Hymns and songs suggested for Epiphany are listed in the Church's Year index on page 1090 of the harmony edition of TIS.
PSALM 72:1-7,10-14
For musical settings of Psalm 72:1-7,10-14, see Music Packages 1, 4 and 7.
A paraphrased version of Psalm 72 from the Iona Community may be found in John L Bell, Psalms of patience, protest and praise on page 37.
Another metrical version of Psalm 72:1-7,10-14, by David Sch¸tz, is given here to be sung to the tune Dix (LH 40, TIS 314). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Sch¸tz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.
Give the King your justice, God,
give his son your righteousness.
With your righteous justice, Lord,
he will act for those oppressed.
So the fruit of justice spills
from the mountains and the hills.
He will crush those who oppress,
use his power to save the poor.
He'll endure like sun and moon
through the ages evermore.
Like the rain upon the field,
justice brings a prosperous yield.
May the rulers of the isles
and the kings of Sheba bring
tribute to our sovereign Lord,
gifts of homage to our King.
May all kings and nations fall
down before the King of all!
He will hear the needy cry,
help the helpless in distress.
He'll take pity on the weak,
save his people close to death.
He will save them in the fight.
They are precious in his sight.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN FOR EPIPHANY
This hymn by Godfrey Thring (given here in modernised form) is suitable for singing in procession at the festival of the Epiphany to the tune 'Warum sind der Tr‰nen' (LH 298).
From the eastern mountains
pressing on they come,
wise men in their wisdom,
to his humble home;
stirred by deep devotion,
hasting from afar,
ever journeying onward,
guided by a star.
There their Lord and Saviour
as an infant lay ,
wondrous light that led them
onward on their way,
ever now to lighten
nations from afar,
as they journey homeward
by that guiding star.
Lord, who in a manger
once had lowly lain,
Lord, who now in glory,
o'er all kingdoms reign,
gather in the peoples,
who, both near and far,
never saw the brightness
of your guiding star.
Gather in the outcasts,
all who've gone astray,
shine your radiance on them,
guide them on their way;
those who never knew you,
those who've wandered far,
guide them by the brightness
of your guiding star.
Onward, through the darkness
of the lonely night,
shining still before them
with your kindly light,
guide them, Jew and Gentile,
homeward from afar,
young and old together,
by your guiding star.
Until every nation,
whether great or few,
neath your star-lit banner,
Jesus, follows you,
over distant mountains
to that heavenly home
where no sin or sorrow
anymore shall come.
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL
The Christmas carol 'O come, all ye faithful', LH 34 (TIS 304) may be used at Epiphany with the addition of the following fourth verse instead of the Christmas morning verse 'Yea, Lord, we greet thee'. (TIS already has a slightly different Epiphany verse - v 4.)
Led by the starlight, wise men, Christ adoring,
offer him gifts: incense, gold, and myrrh;
We too will bring the Christchild our true off'rings.
NOTES ON THE READINGS
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
ISAIAH 60:1-6: This part of the book of Isaiah talks repeatedly about the return of God's people to Jerusalem from their captivity in Babylon. This particular prophecy reaches out far further, however. It predicts a world-wide flow of converts into the church. The peoples are in the darkness of sin. Those who come into God's presence in the new order will reflect God's brightness in their lives. The closer one draws near to Christ, the more his light shines through one's life. Gold and frankincense remind the Christian of the wise men of Matthew chapter 2. They were harbingers of the later migration of nations into God's kingdom through Christ.
EPHESIANS 3.1-12: Prophecies such as in the previous reading pointed to all nations receiving God's grace. Paul here shows how God has brought this secret purpose into visible reality by taking the gospel to non-Jews. Paul's special apostleship was for this very purpose. He gladly suffered Roman imprisonment because this served God's design from the beginning, namely that the Gentiles should have equal blessings in the kingdom without having to become Jews.
MATTHEWS 2:1-12: The infant Jesus is recognised by the famous of the world in this reading. Wise men, versed in the law, religion and astrology of the East, made the long journey to Jerusalem. Perhaps they knew prophecies through the heritage of Daniel from his days in Babylon. Led on by the star, they offered their worship upon finding the infant 'King'. They were not put off by the let-down of their reception at Jerusalem, nor by the humble circumstances of the parents at Bethlehem. They offered gifts that were lavishly fit for a king.
VISUAL
VISUALS FOR THE READINGS
Pictures or visual symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the first reading could be accompanied by a picture of a camel train such as that in the TEV Bible for Isaiah 40:6. The gospel could be accompanied by a picture of wise men following the star, eg as in TEV for Matt 2:9-10.
OR, a symbol of a star could accompany both the first reading and gospel.
OR, a symbol of three crowns could be displayed.
DRAMA
'MEGA DRAMA RESOURCES'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama Resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.
DRAMATISING THE READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the first reading could be read responsively or by various readers. The gospel could be mimed by children as it is read, and/or it could be read by four readers: narrator (the pastor), wise man, prophet, Herod.
CHILDREN
CHILDREN AND THE READINGS
Chidren could be involved in making and displaying pictures/symbols (see above under 'Visuals for the readings'). They could mime the story of the coming of the wise men as it is read. They could bring forward symbolic offerings of gold, frankincense and myrrh (see above under 'Offering of gold, frankincense and myrrh' If there is a procession, include the children.
'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is now available for the Revised Common Lectionary.
This week's story is 'The Good News in Papua New Guinea' (yr A), or 'How the gospel reached the Bataks' (yr B), or 'Wise men visit' (yr C). Material for this story may be found in
Original Edition, Epiphany
OR
Revised RCL Edition, same
|