Epiphany Sunday Year 1

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany A/B/C or Christmas 1A
Readings: Day of Epiphany: Magi Visit Sermon text – Matthew 2:1-23 Companion text – Psalm 96:10-13
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Extravagant God, you sent magi with generous gifts to visit the baby Jesus and proclaim his reign to all the world. Make our voices heard when we proclaim God’s love to all. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #273. All My Heart Again Rejoices
ELW #275. Angels, from the Realms of Glory
ELW #302. As with Gladness Men of Old
ELW #301. Bright and Glorious Is the Sky
ELW #303. Brightest and Best of the Stars
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #300. The First Noel
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #276. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
ELW #294. In the Bleak Midwinter
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #279. O Little Town of Bethlehem
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #310. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
ELW #296. What Child Is This
WOV #642. I Wonder As I Wander
WOV #639. Oh, Sleep Now, Holy Baby
WOV #646. We Three Kings
Various Hymnals God’s Surprise (1987) by John L. Bell
Various Hymnals Night of Silence (1984) by Daniel Kantor
Various Hymnals The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (1942) by West Indian Trad.
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #625. Come, We That love the Lord (We’re Marching to Zion)
ELW #856. How Great Thou Art
ELW #267. Joy to the World
ELW #260. The King Shall come
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #825. You Servants of God
Various Hymnals Cantate Domino (1995) by Brian Henkelmann
Various Hymnals The Lord is King! (1863) by Josiah Conder
Various Hymnals New Songs of Celebration Render (197) by Erik Routley
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Born That We May Have Life” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Rising” By Matt Redman, Paul Baloche.
“We Believe” By Graham Kendrick.

More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

Reveal yourself within the church, O God; guide us in the ways of witness and proclamation that all the world may know of your love and grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reveal yourself within creation, O God; open our eyes to the beauty of your world and make us better stewards of all that you have made. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reveal yourself within governments, O God; place compassion and wisdom in the hearts and minds of the worlds leaders that your peace and justice may prevail. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reveal yourself within the broken places of the world, O God; help us to see the face of Christ in those who struggle and mourn. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

Reveal yourself within the suffering, O God (especially,…); may we reach out to all with arms of comfort and hope grounded in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reveal yourself within this congregation, O God; move us out from this place to bear your redeeming Word to our friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Reveal yourself within the saints, o God; keep us following the path they have trod, the path that leads to our heavenly home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit
working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.