Epiphany of Our Lord
Celebrated January 2, 2021
Holy Communion at 10am
Prayer of the Day
O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of 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.
Scripture
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon
“Light and Life to All Nations”
Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 60:1-6
The message of Christmas does not bring joy to all humankind. Not everyone is thrilled by the news of a newborn King. The current king, Herod, goes so far as to try to overturn the election of the One whom God has anointed. His cunning machinations cannot undo this new thing God has done; neither can the violence he unleashes upon the most vulnerable under his rule. God comes to throw down petty tyrants like Herod, replacing them with a King who will rule with a Shepherd’s loving care. We gather on this Epiphany to behold God made manifest. Arise, shine. Like wise ones before us, let us come and pay homage to the Lord, this new King who draws all nations to his light.
Hymns
O God of Light, LBW 237
O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!, LBW 76
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, LBW 87
Revealed in Christ, the Word of God (text by Susan Palo Cherwien)
LBW, Lutheran Book of Worship
In our prayers we remember Lutheran Disaster Response.