January 7, 2024

Lectionary Texts

Genesis 1.1-5 God’s Spirit broods over the waters of Creation and God brings forth light.

Psalm 29 God’s voice thunders over the waters of Creation, the voice that creates everything, changes everything, and evokes praise from everything.

Acts 19. 1-7 Paul in Ephesus. John’s baptism, a ritual of repentance, is not baptism in the name of Jesus, which promises the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1.4-11 Jesus’ baptism.

Preaching Thoughts

       As we both celebrate Jesus’ baptism and look to a new year, this is a good day for baptismal renewal. Here is a more thorough reflection on Baptism, and here is a baptismal liturgy.
       The waters of baptism are the primordial waters where God creates. In Confirmation classes I would tell kids to think of everything they know about water, what it does, and how we experience it, and how it shows up in the Bible. They’d list a few: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet; crossing the Red Sea; Noah’s flood… Water exists in different forms; we need water to live; water washes things; it rains. When they’d run out of ideas I’d announce that every single thing we know about water can be a lesson about baptism. Baptism symbolizes how God gives us life and washes us clean and sets us free, how grace just rains down on us, how God we encounter God in different forms, how we’re called to serve, washing others’ feet … I’d repeat that everything about water can tell us something about baptism. Every single thing. That would spur them on to play one of my favorite games, Stump The Pastor: think of something about water that has nothing to say about baptism. They’d hit on erosion! (Yes, I’d say, grace strips some stuff away from us)… “Drowning!” (Yes, we die and are born again. In the early church you descended into a tomb-shaped pool, were pronounced dead, then rose up out of the water as a new person with a new name! And speaking of being born again, baptismal water is God’s water breaking.)… “Tears.” Yes, God shares our pain. The junior high boys would get more adventuresome. “Sweat!” Yes, Baptism promises the Holy Spirit will be in you to do the hard work of loving your neighbor as yourself and loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and muscles. Finally they would get to the good stuff. “Pee!” they would announce triumphantly. Yes, I’d say, aren’t you glad you can? Isn’t it cool God made us so we can absorb the good stuff from life and flush the rest? That’s how grace works. Play with the imagery. Water can tell us many, many things about baptism.
       Baptism isn’t a badge of honor for Christians, or a membership token. It’s an experience of transformation, of death and re-birth, re-creation. It’s not a profession of faith; that would be more like John’s baptism, a gesture of repentance. It’s not anything we do, it’s something we receive from God. It’s a symbol of how we drown in God’s grace, and lose our old self-enclosed selves, and then God’s water breaks and God births us to a new life. Our little individual self-enclosed “self” dies; and we are reborn as a part of the Body of Christ. This is a never-ending process, so it’s good to remember our baptism, and to renew our baptismal vows regularly.

       At Jesus’ baptism the “heavens are torn open.” Like the curtain in the temple being torn in two at his crucifixion, the moment speaks of the destruction of the boundary between the daily and the divine. Baptism suggests that the realm of God is right here in this person being baptized. The descent of the Holy Spirit reinforces that. God is present in this person.
      Most Christians need to refine their theology of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not a bird or ghost that comes and goes. It’s God. It’s always here. And it’s not confined to Christians. It’s in everybody. Despite the way it’s worded in Acts— “the Holy Spirit came upon them”—you don’t “get” the Holy Spirit at baptism. It’s always there. Baptism is a symbol, a representation, of the Spirit that is always there. What changes is that we accept it, we receive it. Baptism is an invitation to allow the Spirit to guide us, to control our lives.
      Jesus hears the promise of God’s love and blessing. “You are my son, my Beloved” quotes Psalm 2, referring to the Messiah. “With whom I am well pleased” quotes Isaiah 42, referring to God’s suffering servant. Until Jesus’ followers thought about it no one had ever imagined that one person might fulfill both roles of suffering and Messiah; but they realized Jesus was a suffering Messiah! The blessing is not only a “naming” of Jesus. It’s also a claiming. God is saying, “You are mine. No matter what.” My children are mine and always will be no matter what evil they suffer or evil they do. Just so, we are God’s beloved, God’s children, no matter what evil we may suffer or what evil we may do. Baptism announces God’s blessing for us, and God’s claim on us. We all need to hear these words often. Baptismal renewal is a way to accomplish that.

Call to Worship

1.
Leader: As your rivers, O God, flow around us,
All: we come to be washed by your grace.
Your voice calls us to the water,
and we immerse ourselves in your love.
Your Word descends upon us,
and you kindle in us the fire of your Spirit.
You speak to us: You are my Beloved, my own,
and I am so delighted in you.”
By your grace we receive your blessing,
we accept your claim upon us,
and we worship you with awe and gratitude. Alleluia!.

2.
Leader: Light of the world, you have come to us in human form.
All: We rejoice in gratitude.
Light of Bethlehem’s star, you led magi to the holy child.
We worship in awe.
God of light, you baptized Jesus in your love.
We immerse ourselves in your grace. Alleluia!

3.
Leader: Leader: Creator God, the river of your grace flows about us.
All: We enter into its flow, deep in wonder, swimming in your grace.
Rabbi Jesus, you were baptized by John in the Jordan.
We come with you to be washed in the grace of God,
to be immersed in the glory of the Beloved.
Holy Spirit, you came to Jesus at his baptism like a dove.
Come to us, and fill us with the joy of your presence,
the song of your power, the feathers of delight.
Give us wings to do your will, and to be your people.
Alleluia! Come, Spirit of Life, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

4.
Creator God, when Jesus was baptized he descended into the water:
the waters of Creation, the Red Sea of liberation, the healing flow of your grace.
We immerse ourselves in your creative Spirit, in your Word, in your Presence.
Risen Christ, at the Jordan River God proclaimed you God’s Beloved.
We sink into your love. We soak up your grace. We are held in your hands.
Holy Spirit, at Jesus’ baptism you descended as a dove.
Fill us: be our life and strength, our purpose and confidence.
Baptize us in your light, O God, and make us new in the womb of your grace.
Alleluia! Come, Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

5.
Leader: Creator God, giver of life and light, we praise you.
All: As you spoke to Jesus at his baptism, speak to us now
with your Word, your command, your delight.
Beloved Christ, you call us to share in the baptism of your death and resurrection.
In your baptism you draw all believers to you.
Draw us to you now, and make us one with you.
Holy Spirit, you who brooded over the waters of Creation, create us anew.
Pour out your power upon us, fill us with your delight,
and transform us according to your grace. Amen.

6.
Leader: Eternal God, giver of life, you are our Creator; we are your creatures.
All: We come from you. We belong to you. We bear your image. Alleluia!
Loving Christ, sharer of life, you are our companion; we are your lovers.
You accompany us. You heal and forgive us. You lead us. Alleluia!
Holy Spirit, power of life, you are our breath; we are your vessels.
Alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, sweep us way in your love, drown us in your grace,
and birth us anew in the waters of your womb.
Spirit of death and resurrection, baptize us in your life-giving grace. Alleluia!

Collect / Prayer of the Day

1.
Gracious God, deep river of blessing, as Jesus went into the waters of the Jordan, we come now to be immersed in your Word. Speak your Good News to us, and transform our hearts, that we may live new lives for your sake and the sake of your Gospel. Amen.

2.
God of love, in the birth of Jesus you poured yourself out into the world. In his baptism you poured out your Spirit upon him. In our worship now pour out yourself into us, that in love we may pour ourselves into the world in love, in the name and Spirit of Christ. Amen.

3.
Gracious God, at Jesus’ baptism you spoke blessing. As your Spirit hovers over the waters of our re-creation, speak your Word to us, that we may be born again of your grace, shaped by your love, and sent to serve in the gracious power of your Spirit and the name of Jesus, our brother, our teacher, our healer. Amen.

4.
Eternal and loving God, as you claimed Jesus as your beloved at his baptism, and called him into ministry, so claim and call us now. Grant that all who are baptized in his name may keep the covenant they have made and boldly proclaim his love. Strengthen your holy church in our common baptismal life, and fill us with your light. Bless us, in the reading of your scriptures and the proclaiming of your good news, that we may hear your Word to us. Amen.

5.
Gracious God, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. With him, we are your children, with whom you are well pleased. Grant us grace to receive your blessing. Journey with us in life in the presence of Christ, and lead us by the power of your Holy Spirit to live lives that glorify you. Amen.

6.
Gracious God, Breath of life, you enter us and give us life; you strengthen us and empower us to speak your Word and sing your glory. Enter us now, breath of God, and renew us. You are the spring of eternal life welling up within us. Flow in us, and change us. Wash us clean, fill us with your grace, and carry us into the world to serve you in the name and the Spirit of Christ. Speak to us, God; bless us, renew us, and make us yours. Amen.

Listening Prayer

(suitable as a Collect, preparation for hearing scriptures, or invitation to prayer)
We come to the river of your presence.
We sink deep in the water of your love.
In the silence, your grace holds us.
In the mystery, your love washes us.
In the water of your womb we are birthed anew.
Give us life, O God, give us life.

Prayer of Confession

1.
Eternal God,
you have created us in your image, but like stones in a muddy stream
we are covered with the leavings of what we have done
and what others have done to us.
Wash us clean in your grace, forgive our sin, heal our hearts,
and restore in us the image of your glory,
in the name and the Spirit of your Son, Jesus,
the revealer of our salvation. Amen.

2.
God of love, we confess
we are dominated by our little self-enclosed “selves,”
separate from you and from others.
In the deep water of your grace
let that little, flesh-bound self drown,
and birth us from the waters of your womb
as members of the Body of Christ,
one with you and with our neighbors.
Forgive us, wash us clean, and birth us anew
in the baptism of your Spirit. Amen.

Response / Creed / Affirmation

Pastor: Beloved of God, your baptism promises
that God shall rain blessings upon you.
All: With God’s help, we devote ourselves
to receive God’s grace in all things.
Beloved of God, your baptism promises that Christ shall be your companion.
With God’s help, we devote ourselves
to follow Christ in life, in death, and in resurrection.
Beloved of God, your baptism promises that the Holy Spirit works within you.
With God’s help, we devote ourselves
to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed,
to live lives of compassion and forgiveness
to resist evil, injustice and oppression,
and to pursue mercy and justice in the name of Christ. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer

[After the introduction, the body of the prayer may be read responsively with the presiding leader(s) and congregation, or by the leader(s) alone.]

God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

We give you thanks, God, for in the beginning
your Spirit brooded over the waters and you brought forth light.
Through the waters of the Red Sea you brought your children to freedom.
By the baptism of water and the word you created your church.
All the rivers of the world praise you, and the oceans sing your glory.
Your grace rains down on us and brings forth life.
Therefore with all Creation we sing your praise:

            [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
        heaven and earth are full of your glory.
        Hosanna in the highest.
        Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate version]

Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ,
baptized in the river Jordan,
immersed in your grace, afloat on your love.
He washes our feet; he dries our tears;
he gives us living water when we thirst for life.
His grace washes us clean, and births us anew.
In his love we hear your blessing to us:
“You are my Beloved, my own,
with whom I am delighted.”
Baptized into his death, we are raised with him to new life.

     (The Blessing and Covenant)
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Therefore, remembering these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:

             [Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
        Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
                     —or—
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory.
             [or alternative]

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
As you poured out your Spirit on Jesus at the river,
pour out your Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
one with Christ in death and resurrection,
one in the Spirit, one in the Body of Christ,
moved and empowered by your Spirit
to bear your love into this world,
in the name of Christ.

     [Spoken or sung]
Amen.

____________
* The Blessing and Covenant
[I usually don’t print the words. I want people to be looking at the bread, not their bulletins.]

On the night in which he gave himself for us
Jesus took bread, blessed it,. broke it, and gave it to his disciples,saying,
“Take and eat; this is my body.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup,
blessed it with thanks and gave it to them, saying,
“Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood,
poured out for you and for many, in a new Covenant,
which is the forgiveness of sin.”
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.

Prayer of Dedication / Sending / after Communion

[Adapt as needed.]
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) Our little self-enclosed selves have drowned in your love, and you have raised us up as members of the Body of Christ. May your eternal life flow through us with the power of your Spirit, by the grace of Christ, to your glory. Amen.

Suggested Songs

(Click on titles to view, and hear an audio clip, on the Music page)

Light for the World      (An Epiphany “Theme Song”)
A dialogue between cantor and congregation. May be used throughout the Epiphany season. one or two verses per week. The cantor’s words reflect lectionary texts; the congregation’s refrain is the same throughout.

Lyrics for Baptism of Jesus:

Congregation, Refrain:
Love, may we live by your light.
Let us be light for the world.

Cantor, Verses:
3. “You are my servant in whom I delight, a light unto the nations.”
Shine for the ones who dwell in the dark, with comfort and justice.

4. God said, “Let light shine out of the dark,” and shines with that glory in Jesus.And when we turn our faces to Christ, God shines in our own heart.

See all songs with Baptism tag, especially these:


God, We Rise to Serve You       
           (Tune: Sing We Now of Christmas / Now the Green Blade Rises]

God, we rise to serve you, baptized in your love
as your Holy Spirit hovers like a dove.
We, your Beloved, whom you bless with grace,
offer you our gifts with love and joy and peace.

God, your Spirit in us, dove with wings unfurled,
gives us pow’r to bring forth justice to the world.
Baptized in Christ, we serve with mercy’s grace,
bringing to the world your love and joy and peace.


Immersed in Blessing       (Tune: Joyful, Joyful)

Baptized in your grace with Jesus, loving God, we sing your praise.
Echoing your own delight, with joy and thanks our song we raise.
Your beloved children, birthed anew and rising from your womb,
God, we bear your love through all our living, and beyond the tomb.

God you heal, forgive and nourish, and revive us breath by breath;
you restore our broken trust and save us from our fear of death.
Like a dry and withered plant revived by water at its root,
we are saved by streams of grace, for flourishing and bearing fruit.

Bathed in grace, immersed in blessing, joined with your Beloved Son,
how can we not love each other?— for your Spirit makes us One.
Carried on a stream of mercy, springs beneath and rain above,
may we flow with peace and in your Spirit flood the world with love.


Spirit Feast (Tune: Cradle Song)

With hearts that are baptized in mercy and grace,
we enter the mystery of this time and place
to feast on your mercy in light from above,
receiving your Spirit, made one in your love.

The cup that we drink from flows deep with your love,
the water of blessing, descent of the dove.
“My Chosen, Beloved, in whim I am pleased,”
we’re sent by your Spirit to shine with your light.

With blest, grateful hearts, God, we come to this feast,
and pray that your Spirit in us be released.
This sharing, this joy and this justice you share
is ours now to bring to the word everywhere.

We Are Your Body      (Tune: Be Thou My Vision)

God of all holiness, baptized in you,
we are your Body: your presence shines through.
We, poor in spirit, are blessed with your own.
May our lives shine forth with your grace alone.

We who with Jesus do mourn with the world
shall see your banners of deep joy unfurled.
We who are hungry for love freely shared
feast at the banquet that you have prepared.

May we be merciful and pure in heart,
your gentle peacemakers, doing our part.
Dying and rising, we fear no great loss,
sealed with your Spirit and marked with your cross.


When Jesus Was Baptized (Tune: Cradle Song)

When Jesus was baptized, John said to repent,
and follow the Righteous One whom God had sent.
So wash us, dear God, and create us anew,
born fresh from your grace, living wholly in you.

When Jesus was baptized in waters that flow,
he sank in the Source of what makes all things grow.
So, held in Creation, renewed and made one,
we swim in the grace of your life-giving Son.

When Jesus was baptized in light, like a dove
your Spirit came down and you filled him with love.
So give us your Spirit: let all that we do
be you living in us, as we live in you.

When Jesus was baptized you spoke from above,
saying “This is my servant, my son, whom I love.”
So help us to hear you speak love when you call,
and as your Beloved, share freely with all.


You Are My Delight (Tune: Londonderry Air, “Oh, Danny Boy”)

We come with you, dear Jesus, through the desert hills,
down to the river, flowing gently by,
where through the rocks and valleys, deepening, it spills,
and flows into the sea, the earth, the sky.
    As we sink down and rise up from the water
    a dove descends, a voice speaks, clear and bright:
    “Know you are my beloved son, my daughter,
    my spirit is in you and you are my delight.

We go our way, and in our daily living
we follow you, and scatter rays of love
in deeds of caring, healing grace and giving,
for still we hear that voice and see the dove:
    “No river can undo you, for with you I go.
    I give my heart to you, and give you light.
    For you are mine, I hold you and I love you so.
   All water says, ‘Remember you are my delight.’”


          OFFERING SONGS
                       (Can be found in Offering Songs)

(Tune: Fairest Lord Jesus)

Blessed by your Spirit, God, and immersed in deepest grace,
baptized in love, in love we live.
In us your mercy grows; love like a river flows;
and so our finest gifts we give.

—or—

Baptized in love, O God, washed, renewed and risen, new,
in your Spirit we are one.
Yours are the gifts we give; yours are the lives we live,
bright shining as the morning sun.


             (Tune: Old 100th,
or Gift of Love (“The Water Is Wide”), or
               or Tallis’ Canon)

To You, O God, our praise we give,
For baptized into Christ, we live.
Thus may your Holy Spirit be
Our life and breath eternally! Amen.

               (Tune: Morning Has Broken)

Baptized, anointed, filled with your Spirit,
we are appointed bearers of light:
for liberation, servants of justice,
bringing the nations joy and delight.

Gladly we praise you, God our Creator,
joyfully raise our hearts up in prayer.
Humbly we give you thanks, Holy Spirit,
help us to live your Word everywhere.

—or—

Great holy giver of life and wonder,
deep like a river your blessings flow.
Gladly we give you praise and thanksgiving:
gifts we will give wherever we go.

—or—

Washed in your waters, baptized with Jesus,
your sons and daughters, risen anew,
each day we live we freely surrender,
our lives we give, God, gladly to you.


                (Tune: Be Thou My Vision)

God, we are raised to new life with your Son,
filled with your Spirit and baptized as one.
Branches of one vine, your fruits we will bear,
going to all the world, your great love to share.

December 31, 2023

Lectionary Texts

Isaiah 60.1-6. “Rise shine; your light has come.” God’s people will be light for the whole world, and people will come, bearing gifts and honors, praising God.

Psalm 72. A prayer for God’s guidance and support for a new king We pray for justice, which is that the poor receive what they need.

Ephesians 3.1-12. God blesses the Gentiles just as the Jews, and wants this good news spread to all people, and to all the powers in the universe.

Matthew 2. 1-12. Magi come to honor Jesus as king.

Preaching Thoughts

The 7^th day. Merry Christmas! Christmas is not the 27 days from Nov. 28 – Dec. 24, but the twelve days from Dec 25 – Jan. 5. Twelve days. December 31 is the the 7^th day of Christmas. It’s not over till Epiphany day, January 6, Epiphany. So though we’ll observe Epiphany on this Sunday, it’s still Christmas! Let the liturgical rhythm help us get out of the commercialized, consumerist, materialism of our culture, and really observe the Christmas season as the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. So it’s still appropriate to sing Christmas songs this week, and not just We Three Kings!

Light
       “Epiphany,” meaning “revealing,” is all about light. We celebrate Christ as the light of the world. The season begins with the light of the star that leads the magi to Jesus, and ends in the Transfiguration, with Jesus shining (even before his death!) with the light of resurrection. Along the way we hear a lot about light. Watch for it each week. (The song Light for the World, below, highlights those references.) The light of Christ’s love illumines our path and guides our way. We look at life in the light of God’s love, and that changes how we see the world. And the light of that love shines in us, so that our own lives become lights for others: streetlamps that offer guidance and safety, lighthouses that warn of danger, a new dawn that signals hope and beauty. Even when the scriptures aren’t literally talking about light, they describe how God’s love changes the world like light changes the darkness.

Light and dark
       But be thoughtful in your use of the image of light and darkness. Sometimes when we speak of darkness we mean not knowing (“I’m in the dark”), or gloomy, or evil, or sad, or… lots of things. And sometimes it’s better to say that than to simply call it “dark.” Watch out especially for the binary thought that light=good and dark=bad. We live in a culture that is chronically distorted by racism that judges people by how light or dark their skin is. So we judge dark people as bad and lighter people as good. It’s not just semantics. It’s instinctive, even among dark-skinned people. Sometimes when we reinforce the binary idea that light = good and dark = bad we reinforce its racist overtones. We don’t mean to—but we do. So watch out for this.
       All symbols are limited. Sometimes dark is good. God dwells in darkness… Creation begins, life is conceived and seeds sprout in the dark…darkness allows sleep and Sabbath rest….some people like their coffee black.. black people are learning to contradict the good/bad binary and appreciate the beauty of their dark skin… And sometimes light is bad: we wear sunglasses… light pollution prevents our seeing the stars… driving in too much glare or a winter whiteout can be deadly. The light can still shine in the darkness, and the darkness is unable to overcome it, but be wary of simplistic binaries. Be careful to define your terms and attend to your context. Let’s be clear what we mean (and don’t mean) by light or darkness.

Light and justice
The theme of this season is that Jesus is the light of the world. The season begins with the light of a star and ends on transfiguration Sunday with Jesus shining with divine light on a mountain top. Along the way we hear a lot about light. Watch for it each week. (The song Light for the World, below, highlights those references.) The light of Christ’s love illumines our path and guides our way. We look at life in the light of God’s love, and that changes how we see the world. And the light of that love shines in us, so that our own lives become lights for others: streetlamps that offer guidance and safety, lighthouses that warn of danger, a new dawn that signals hope and beauty. Even when the scriptures aren’t literally talking about light, they describe how God’s love changes the world like light changes the darkness.

Isaiah
       Obviously the crafters of the lectionary chose this passage for Epiphany because it says “they shall bring gold and frankincense.” But it’s not just about that. It’s a message of hope and restoration, and in fact mission. We are called to “see and be radiant.” We’re to be light for the world.Ultimately this is not about what we shall receive but what we shall give.
        Remember the prophet says “Rise, shine, your light has come” to a weak, humiliated, discouraged, exiled people. It’s easy for privileged folks to go off on some “aren’t we special?” path. Don’t. This is a message of restoration for people who are broken. “Nations shall come to your light” is not about superiority, but the restoration of dignity. What is there in a message to exiled people that speaks to us today? Who among us is this actually speaking to? What part of ourselves—our souls, or our church— is exiled and needing encouragement?

Matthew
       Like every scripture, this is a symbolic story, not a historical account. The word “magi” that Matthew uses suggests Zoroastrian astrologers: not quite philosophers, and certainly not kings. Nothing scriptural suggests there were three, just because there were three gifts. (The gifts are an allusion to Isaiah 60.6: “They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of God.” Matthew, foreshadowing the cross, adds myrrh.) Nor should we insist the magi were men, though we might assume so. So there could have been dozens of them, or maybe just a couple of old women. But that’s not what Matthew is likely to have had in mind, since this is a purely symbolic story: what matters is that they represent people from outside the Jewish faith. The point is not how or whether it happened but what it’s about. So don’t go off counting magi, or learning about Zoroastrians, astronomy or Middle Eastern geography. Matthew made this up. It’s a story. What’s it about?
       It’s about Jesus as “’king.” What does it mean for Jesus to rule in your heart?
      It’s about Jesus as sovereign over more than Christians. Matthew is creating a bookend at the beginning of his gospel, matched by the Great Commission at the end, about Jesus’ relevance for “all nations.” Avoiding evangelistic conquest and Christian colonialism, what might it mean for us to be part of a movement that is intended for the well-being of the whole world, not just us Christians?
      It’s about revealing. How might Christ be revealed—particularly in us— to others, especially those outside the Church?
      It’s about the witness of foreigners. How do we relate to outsiders, strangers, foreigners, people of other religions? Do we acknowledge their quest for the holy even if it doesn’t match ours? Are we willing to listen to them, hear their stories, learn from them, honor them?
      It’s about about seeking, and being guided. How willing are we to acknowledge truth beyond what we know? To seek God in mystery? What are the stars that guide you, and you follow? Where do you seek Christ? (Even in foreign, unexpected or “improper”places?)
      It’s about light that leads the way. The star guided the magi. What are the guiding stars in your life? How are you and your way of living a guiding star for others to find hope and love?
      It’s about pilgrimage. (Matthew mentions “two years.” hHs the magi’s journey taken that long?) What kind of journey might you be on? How does God go with you, guide you, help you get directions? What might it be like to maintain the discipline of a long pilgrimage, without quitting, without diversion?
      It’s about going by “another road.” What old ways are you/we being invited to abandon, to accept new ways of going? Note that it’s not exploring new frontiers, but going home.
      It’s about resistance. We can expect to encounter our Herods who oppose us or want to co-opt our faith; we will have to be ready to resist, to refuse to cooperate with the Powers. Are you ready?
      It’s about imperial power and violence, and our non-cooperation. It’s about state-sponsored terrorism. This story is a shadow of the crucifixion. Jesus is a “wanted “person. He did not safely escape the slaughter in Bethlehem. He died in all those children. We often slide over this part. Such a nasty thing to include in our Christmas stories! But this is why we need Jesus. We’re neck deep in a culture of violence and we need a different kind of power in our lives. Imperial power in our world takes form in capitalism, consumerism, white supremacy, patriarchy, nationalism, and systems of power, privilege and exclusion. Empire preserves its power, even at the expense of slaughter. The “slaughter of the innocents” may appear in our world as executions, mass shootings, poor health care, mass incarceration, environmental threat, and dangers that disproportionately affect the poor and people of color. Empire is in the business of death. But God is in the business of life even in the face of brutality. Herod is threatened by the young “king’s” power, and wants to use the magi to destroy the child, but with God’s guidance the magi do not cooperate with Herod. Like Herod trying to use the magi for his own purposes, do you see other powers trying to co-opt Christianity? Where do you see that in our world? How do we practice resistance? How do we practice life in the face of death?

For additional Epiphany resources see Epiphany Sunday, Year A or Year C. (The lecitonary readings are the same all three years.)

Call to Worship

1.
Leader: Star of love, lead us!
All: Light of love, guide us!
Holy Child, help us honor you.
King of love, we offer you our gifts.
Jesus, on this journey of mystery, help us seek you.
On this pilgrimage of faith, help us serve you.
God, in awe and wonder we worship you. Alleluia!

2.
Leader: Star of God, you bless us with your beauty.
All: Light of Christ, you draw us near to God.
Star of wisdom, guide us with your grace.
Light of God, lead us by your love.

3.
Leader: A new year begins. A morning star shines.
All: A new day dawns. A new light rises.
God of love, be our morning light.
Christ, our sovereign, be our guiding star.
Holy Spirit, lead us on our journey.
Loving God, by your grace we go into a new year,
by a new road, into new lives.
We worship you with open hearts. Amen.

4.
Leader: God of Creation, your light shines in the stars.
All: May your light lead us to life.
Your light shines in the heart of those who wander in search of you.
May your light lead us to wonder.
Your light shines in the Christ child, revealed as the light of the world.
May your light lead us to love.
Holy Spirit, light of God, shine in us, that we may be light for the world.
Alleluia! Come, Spirit of Life, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

5.
Leader: Creator God, maker of the universe, of stars and all the heavens,
of humans and all our wonders—we praise you.
All: Blessed Christ, we have seen the light of your rising,
and have come to pay you homage.
Holy Spirit, you guide us in the dark, and lead us by your light
Glory be to you, O God!
May your light shine ever upon us.
Ruler of the heavens and sovereign of earth, rule over us in love.
Alleluia! Come, Emmanuel, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

6.
Leader: Christmas star, shining in the darkness, you led magi to the Christ child
All: Light of Christ, chase away all darkness, illumine our path,
and lead us to the heart of God.
Morning sun, rising on a new year, you grant us new life.
Light of God, forgive our sin and set us free from all that has bound us;
grant that we may begin anew in this new year with grace and blessing.
Spirit of life, gleaming in our eyes, you make us your beautiful children.
Holy Spirit, transform us by your grace,
that we may shine with the light of your love,
for the sake of the blessing of all Creation. Amen.

7. [Isa. 60.1, 5]
Leader: Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of God has risen upon you.
All: We shall see and be radiant;
our heart shall thrill and rejoice.
We worship in reverence and joy.

Collect / Prayer of the Day

1.
God of Truth, as the light of your star led wise ones to the Christ child, may the light of your word lead us to Christ, who is present among us. Fill us with the light of your grace, that we may be light for the world, in the name and the Spirit of Christ. Amen.

2.
O God, in the magi’s visit to the Christ child you revealed yourself to the nations. We come to honor you and to give our gifts. Speak to us and reveal yourself to us, that we may go from this place by a new way. Amen.

3.
God of light, you shone in the darkness to lead magi to the Christ child. And you shine in our lives to guide us and bless us. Shine now in the reading and hearing of your Word: lead us in your ways, and guide our feet in the way of peace, in the Spirit and the presence of Christ. Amen.

4.
Gracious God, you led magi to the Christ child by a star. Lead us to Christ now by your Word. Bless us with open hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your good news proclaimed we may hear with joy what you are saying to us today. Amen.

5.
Miraculous star, lead us to Christ.
Star of light, lead us to follow.
Light of the Word, lead us to love.
Word of faith, lead us on the long road. Amen.

Listening Prayer

(suitable as a Collect, preparation for hearing scriptures, or invitation to prayer)

Star of the Christ child,
shine in our hearts.
Lead us to love.
Help us to listen,
help us to follow. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Pastor: The grace of God be with you.
All: And also with you
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin to God with one another.
Eternal God, your Word of grace is a light for our path. We thank you.
We recall those moments when the star of your love shone for us,
and we followed on a good path… [silence...]
We recall those times when we did not see the star,
when we were not on a good path… [silence]
In all things, God, we trust your grace.
Forgive our sin, heal our hearts,
open our eyes to the light of your love,
and help us to follow faithfully,
in the name of Christ,
for the sake of the healing of the world. Amen.

Response / Creed / Affirmation

1.
      We trust in God, Creator of all that is, whose light guides us and whose grace extends to all people of the world.
      We follow Jesus, the Christ of God, Light of the world, who is the ruler of our hearts, before whom we bow in adoration and reverence, to whom we offer the gifts of our hands and hearts. Jesus loved people and healed them, and taught the way of true wisdom. Though many would make him king, he was not a ruler of a nation but the Prince of Peace. Earthly kings were threatened by him, and crucified him, but he was raised from the dead, sovereign even over life itself.
     We live by the Holy Spirit, whose light is a star that guides us, whose grace gives us gifts to offer the world, whose companionship makes us one with peoples of all nations, tribes and traditions. In the power of that Spirit we devote ourselves to love and justice, for the sake of Christ, the sovereign of our hearts.

2.
Leader: The grace of the Beloved, Jesus Christ, be with you.
All: And also with you.
Pastor: The splendor of Christ shines upon us.
The light of Christ guides us.
A star of grace and hope shines on our horizon.
We will follow.
The light of love will lead us to the Christ child.
We will honor him and offer our gifts.
The powers of this world will try to use love for greedy purposes.
We will learn to go by another road,
to live by another way, the way of mercy and justice.
Lead us, O Christ, by the light of your love. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer

[See Eucharistic responses to the tune of “We Three Kings” in Advent Eucharistic Responses.]

[After the introduction, the body of the prayer may be read responsively with the presiding leader(s) and congregation, or by the leader(s) alone.]

——— #1 ———

God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your heart.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

We thank you and praise you, Divine Mystery,
Creator of all that is and all that shall be.
Stars of your making sparkle above us,
and to those who are wise and attentive they reveal your presence.
With starlight and pillars of fire you have led us out of darkness and into light;
through prophets and poets you have led us in wonder and love.
And you have given us gifts, that we may live fully and richly in grace.
As magi knelt before the Christ child and offered their gifts
we kneel in humble gratitude and offer you gifts,
in one voice with all creation singing your praise.

             [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
        heaven and earth are full of your glory.
        Hosanna in the highest.
        Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate]

        [Alternate version : this and and following responses sung to the tune of “We Three Kings”]
        Holy, Holy, Holy One, God whose love is bright as the sun,
        all Creation sings your praise! Hosanna we sing as one!
        O, Blessed is the one who comes in your name, O Holy One.
        Praise! Hosanna in the highest! Peace on earth, to everyone.

Blessed are all who come in your name, and blessed is Jesus, your Christ.
He bore your love to all people, including those of foreign lands and religions.
He offered us gifts from the treasure chest of his faith:
he forgave and taught; he fed the hungry and healed the broken;
he proclaimed a new Realm of grace and justice.
The rulers of Empire sought him and killed him,
but you raised him from the dead.
This is the wisdom that leads us, the star that lights our way.

[The Blessing and Covenant …]

Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
As often as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection until he comes again.
Remembering these, your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a living and holy sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim mystery at the heart of our faith:

        Memorial Acclamation
                [Sung version:]
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory, leading us all to life.
        O, God of mercy, God of light, God whose love in us burns bright,
        lead us, guide us, walk beside us, fill us with your gentle light.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ.
Open up your treasure chest in us,
that we may be a royal priesthood of your love.
Guide us by the light of your love to do justice, to practice mercy,
to kneel humbly before you in every child of yours.
“And you, children, will be called prophets of the Most High,
for you will go before God to prepare God’s ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to God’s people by the forgiveness of their sins.”
By your tender mercy may your dawn from on high break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Great Amen
[Sung version:]
        Amen! Your will be done. Amen, O Holy One.
        Make us now the living Body of Christ, our Love, your Son.
        O, praise be yours, and glory be all throughout eternity!
        Alleluia! Alleluia! Thanks and praise we sing to thee.

——— #2 ———

God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your heart.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

God of light, you blessed the darkness with Creation.
You fashioned us in the light of your love.
In the night of our bondage
you broke the power of oppression and set us free,
leading your children by a pillar of light.
You call us always to follow your light,
even the faintest star of love and justice and mercy.
Therefore with those who come from afar to honor you,
and with all Creation, we sing your praise.

            [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
        heaven and earth are full of your glory.
        Hosanna in the highest.
        Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate version]

Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ, light of the world.
He loved and healed, and showed to many your light shining in them.
He showed us the light of love
and taught us to forsake all that glitters and follow that light alone.
By oppression he was crucified,
but by grace you have raised him from the dead,
still coming among us to renew your covenant to be with us in love.

[The Blessing and Covenant…]

Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
As often as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection until he comes again.
Remembering these, your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a living and holy sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:

             [Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
        Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
                     —or—
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory.
             [or alternative]

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
your Word made flesh in our daily lives,
light for the world, in the name of Christ. .

                [Spoken or sung]
        Amen

———— #3 ———


God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your heart.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

Blessed are you, O God, Creator of all things,
and ruler of all that is to come.
In the beginning was your Word, which is the light of life,
through which you have made all things.
Though we turn from your light, still you shine upon us and within us,
and lead us to seek your presence, guided by the light of wonder.
Therefore, in company with those who bring you frankincense,
we honor you with our obedience and our praise:

            [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
        heaven and earth are full of your glory.
        Hosanna in the highest.
        Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate version]

Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ.
Child of Mary, Light of the World and Prince of Peace.
He has brought us the light of hope and healing,
and embodied your Covenant to be with us in love and blessing.
[... The Blessing and Covenant…]

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it:
for you have raised your Crucified Christ from death.
Therefore in company with those who bring you myrrh
we offer you our life unto death,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith.

             [Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
        Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
                     —or—
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory.
             [or alternative]

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pour out your Spirit on is, that we may be the Body of Christ for the world.
In company with those who bring you gold
we offer you our gifts, our prayers, our worship and our service.
Unite us with you, with one another, and with Christ, in service to others.
Grant that by these gifts at work in us we may be light for the world
in the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

               [Spoken or sung]
       Amen.

———— #4 —————

God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

Gracious God, creator of all peoples,
ruler of all the nations, we thank you.
From the beginning,
wen you called light itself into existence
you have made known your will and made real your love.
In the darkness you cried, “Let there be light!”
and Creation shone with your glory.
You cried, “Let there be light!”
and there were your creatures, bright with life.
You cried, “Let there be light!”
and there were your children, humanity
shining with your love.
Even amidst the darkness of the nations
your prophets have pointed to your light as it shone among us,
and have brought to light the Truth
from which we would hide our eyes.
For the light shines, and the darkness has not overcome it,
and all things reveal your wisdom.
Therefore we join with all your creatures in praising you.

            [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
        heaven and earth are full of your glory.
        Hosanna in the highest.
        Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate version]

Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ,
for in the darkness of our sin your cried, “Let there be light!”
and your Christ came among us, the Light of the World.
Through Jesus, who at his birth
was honored by magi yet hunted by armies,
you revealed your Word to the nations.
Jesus spoke the truth to the powers that be,
he revealed your grace in all he did,
he illumined the lives of the poor,
he shed light in the darkness of our sin and our sadness.
Even as the darkness of death closed about him
he shone with the light of hope and compassion.

     (The Blessing and Covenant)

Yet when Jesus had been crucified
and the darkness of the tomb enwrapped him,
you once again cried, “Let there be light!”
You raised Christ from the dead to be our light and our life.
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Therefore, remembering these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:

             [Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
        Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
                     —or—
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory.
             [or alternative]

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Spirit on us, that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
a light for the world, a star in the darkness, a revelation of your grace.
     [Spoken or sung]
Amen.

—————— #5 —————
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your heart.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

Blessed are you, O God:
you create all things by your Word,
and fill them with your light.
On all who sit in darkness a great light has shone,
in your redeeming grace, embodied in Christ.
By the light of a star you led magi to honor him,
and revealed him to the nations.
Therefore with them and all Creation we sing as one voice:

            [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
        heaven and earth are full of your glory.
        Hosanna in the highest.
        Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate version]

Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ, light of the world.
He healed and taught, he bound up the brokenhearted
and established your reign of mercy and justice.
Christ is our guiding star, who leads us to you,
through his ministry and his death and his resurrection.
His is the light that gives us life.

[… The Blessing and Covenant …]

Christ is the morning star,
whose rising proclaims your gift of eternal life.

             [Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
        Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
                     —or—
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory.
             [or alternative]

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Spirit on us, that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
that we may shine as light for the world,
and that we may be a blessing in the name of Christ
for those who stumble in darkness,
those who seek your presence,
and those who bear gifts into this world.

     [Spoken or sung]
Amen.

____________
* The Blessing and Covenant
[I usually don’t print the words. I want people to be looking at the bread, not their bulletins.]

On the night in which he gave himself for us
Jesus took bread, blessed it,. broke it, and gave it to his disciples,saying,
“Take and eat; this is my body.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup,
blessed it with thanks and gave it to them, saying,
“Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood,
poured out for you and for many, in a new Covenant,
which is the forgiveness of sin.”
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.

Prayer of Dedication / Sending / after Communion

[Adapt as needed.]
1.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) May we follow your light. May we honor you as our sovereign. May we offer our gifts for you. May we find new roads toward justice despite the rule of greed and power, May we live always in wonder, willingness and compassion, for the sake of the healing of the world, in the name of Christ. Amen.

2.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) May the light of this grace shine in our hearts and lead us throughout our lives to seek your presence, to honor you with our lives, and to do your will in mercy and justice all of our days. Send us into the world in the name and the light of Christ. Amen.

Suggested Songs

(Click on titles to view, and hear an audio clip, on the Music page)

Light for the World    (Original song)    – [Epiphany “Theme song”]
A dialogue between soloist and congregation. Nineteen verses are supplied, appropriate for Epiphany Sunday, Transfiguration Sunday, and Sundays after the Epiphany in Year A, some of which can be appropriate for this year as well.

Congregation
Love, may we live by your light.
Let us be light for the world.

Cantor:
Magi who followed the light of your star offered their gifts to your glory.
May we shine brightly wherever we are. Our love will tell your story.

May we be guided by love alone, the star shining bright in our darkness.
For when we follow the leading of love, we’re nearer to you, God.


Guiding Star         (Tune: Of the Father’s Love Begotten)

Christ we search for you with longing, but we need not travel far.
In the darkness shines a mystery; in the night a radiant star.
For your love appears before us, gleaming right where we are,
evermore and evermore.

So we bring our gifts to honor you, and we come on bended knee,
offering our hearts and living, that to you the glory be.
May your light adorn and guide us, now and in eternity,
evermore and evermore.

Christ, you are the star that guides us; your love is the way we know.
Keep us faithful in our seeking: may we take the path you show.
May the light of your love shine in us, here and everywhere we go,
evermore and evermore. Amen.

Advent to Epiphany – the Story
(Solo. Tune: Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen)

In the darkest time of year,
a time of hope, and a time of fear,
the prophet says that God is coming to you.
And so we turn from greed and hate,
still learning to pray and watch and wait,
and sing our fragile, hopeful hallelujah.
      Hallelujah…

Young Mary said her “Yes” to him,
and Jesus was born in Bethlehem,
and laid him in a manger, that’ll do you.
The light of love shone in the night.
The shepherds came to see the sight,
and angels sang a glorious Hallelujah.
      Hallelujah…

Some wise men traveled from afar,
just following such a tiny star,
as if its simple light could shine right though you.
They gave their treasures to the king,
who makes you want to serve and sing,
who tells you you can be his Hallelujah.
      Hallelujah…

SERVICE MUSIC:

      Offering Song (Included in Offering Songs)

Gifts (Tune: Of The Father’s Love Begotten)

God, we bring our gifts to honor you, and we come on bended knee,
offering our hearts and living, that to you the glory be.
May your light adorn and guide us, now and in eternity,
evermore and evermore. Amen.


        Invitation to Communion (Both are in Advent Table Songs)

Lovely Jesus (Tune: Rocking)
Lovely Jesus, light divine, light divine,
light of the world and light of mine.
I will follow, follow, follow you.
Lead me in what love will dare to do.
Here I bring my gifts to you.
Use them as your love will do.

Gentle Jesus, friend and guide, friend and guide,
now you call us to your side.
Here you give yourself as living food,
and we feast in joy and gratitude.
Gentle Jesus, make us one;
may your will in love be done.


Your Light (Tune: What Child Is This)

O God, your light now fills our sight;
your song now fills our hearing.
Our gifts we bring, and your praise we sing,
as we feast at Christ’s appearing.
Christ, Christ, Emmanuel,
your love we share, your grace we tell.
Christ, Light of the World, we come!
O fill us, Love, with your brightness!


       Blessing Songs (All are in Advent Blessing Songs)

Light of Christ (Tune: Away in a Manger)

My friends, may the star over Bethlehem’s skies
now give you God’s peace, make you gentle and wise,
and lead you, as though by a light from above:
the light of dear Christ in you, shining with love.


The Star (Tune: What Child Is This)

O God, may all your Church make flesh
the Word that you are giving;
the love of Christ and the Spirit’s power
make holy all of our living.
Love, love shall be the light
by which we live: so bless our sight.
Love, love shall be the star
by which you guide our living.


Walk Beside You (Tune: We Three Kings)

Go in peace, and take from this place
our dear love and God’s deep grace.
Serving, healing, Christ revealing, be God’s human face.
Oh, God of wonder, God of light,
shining with a love so bright,
bless you, guide, you, walk beside you,
fill you with God’s gentle light.