The epiphany of our lord jesus christ year a (second sunday after christmas) Introduction

We gather on this day to celebrate the solemnity of the manifestation of Christ to all peoples of the earth. At this eucharist we offer our prayer of homage, reverence, and honour to the Father through Christ, the light of the nations. May our response to the presence of God in our midst at the eucharist be filled with awe and wonder at the incarnation of the Son of God.

 

Sentence

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

They saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and worshipped him.

or

Eternal God, who by a star led Magi to the worship of your Son: guide the nations of the earth by your light, that the whole world may see your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

or

Everlasting God, who brought the nations to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising: fill the world with your glory, and show yourself to all the nations; through him who is the true light and the bright morning star, Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever. Amen

 Reading Introductions

Isaiah 60:1-6. In 537 BC the Jews were released from exile in Babylon and allowed to return home. An anonymous prophet added to the 8th century book of Isaiah expressions of joy at the return to Jerusalem.

Ephesians 3:1-12. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a general letter to the churches, expressing Paul’s convictions about Christian unity in Christ, and the kind of life that should follow from that.

Matthew 2:1-12. In the birth stories of Jesus, Matthew includes an account of the journey of the magi, astrologers from the east. For Matthew, even the stars herald the importance of Jesus’ birth.

Alleluia, Alleluia

We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord

Alleluia!

Post Communion Prayer:

Lord God, the bright splendour whom the nations seek: may we who with the wise men have been drawn by your light, discern the glory of your presence in your Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Blessing:

Christ our Lord, to whom kings bowed down in worship and offered gifts, reveal to you his glory and pour upon you the riches of his grace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen

Copyright

Introduction, A Celebrant’s Guide to the New Sacramentary, Kevin W. Irwin; Pueblo Publishing Company, New York 1977

Collect, A Prayer Book for Australia 1996

Reading Introductions, Ken Booth

Alleluia Verse, The Sunday Missal, 1982