A Service of Lessons and Carols for Epiphany

Note: This order was devised last year for a service for Epiphany, emphasizing the coming of Christ as being for all nations (represented in scripture by the Magi who brought gifts to the child Jesus). Obviously different hymns could also be used for the "carols" of such a service, and there are certainly different scriptures which would also tell that story in the form of "lessons." 

A Service of Lessons and Carols for Epiphany

January 6, 2023

 

Prelude

 

Welcome

 

Opening sentences: 

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

Nations shall come to your light, and rulers to the brightness of your rising.

Let us pray: 

Eternal God, by a star you 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.

 

The Lessons: 

 

Lesson 1: Matthew 2:1-12: The Magi travel to behold the child Jesus.

Carol: As with Gladness Men of Old (GtG 150)

 

Lesson 2: Matthew 8:5-13: Jesus heals the servant of a Roman centurion.

Carol: For the Healing of the Nations (GtG #346)

 

Lesson 3: Matthew 28:16-20: Jesus commissions his disciples to go into all the world.

Carol: Go to the World! (GtG #295)

 

Lesson 4: Acts 8:26-39: Philip witnesses to an Ethiopian official.

Carol: Take Me to the Water (GtG #480)

 

Lesson 5: Acts 10:34-48: Peter welcomes the family of Cornelius to be baptized.

Carol: In Christ There Is No East or West (GtG #317)

 

Lesson 6: Acts 16:11-15: Paul is welcomed into the home of Lydia in Philippi.

Carol: Go in Grace and Make Disciples (GtG #296)

 

Lesson 7: Romans 15:7-13: Paul declares his call to bear witness to all peoples.

Carol: Help Us Accept Each Other (GtG #754)

 

Lesson 8: Ephesians 2:11-21: Christ has joined all peoples into one humanity.

Carol: There's a Wideness in God's Mercy (GtG #435)

 

Lesson 9: Revelation 7:9-17: A great multitude from all the nations at God's throne.

Carol: From All That Dwell Below the Skies (GtG #327)

Litany for Epiphany:

 

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God, Alleluia!

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, Alleluia!

With joy let us pray to our Savior, the Son of God who became one of us, saying: The grace of God be with us all. 

The grace of God be with us all.

 

O Christ, let your gospel shine in every place where the Word of life is not yet received. Draw the whole creation to yourself that your salvation may be known through all the earth.

The grace of God be with us all.

 

O Christ, Savior and Lord, extend your church to every place. Make it a place of welcome for people of every race and tongue.

The grace of God be with us all.

 

O Christ, Ruler of rulers, direct the work and thoughts of the leaders of nations that they may seek justice, and further peace and freedom for all.

The grace of God be with us all.

 

O Christ, Master of all, support of the weak and comfort of the afflicted, strengthen the tempted and raise the fallen. Watch over the lonely and those in danger. Give hope to the despairing and sustain the faith of the persecuted.

The grace of God be with us all. Amen.

 

O Christ, light made manifest as the true light of God, gladden our hearts on the joyful day of your glory; call us by our name on the great Day of your coming; and give us grace to offer,

with all the hosts of heaven, unending praise to God in whom all things find their ending,

now and ever. Amen.

 

Postlude

 

"When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone,

when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins:


to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner,


to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people,


to make music in the heart."

 

--Howard Thurman