January 6 - Epiphany

Lectionary

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come.

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 (VU pg. 790 Parts 1 and 2)

God’s anointed defends the poor.

Ephesians 3:1-12

Boldness and confidence through faith.

Matthew 2:1-12

The visit of the magi.

Spark

Arrange ahead of time for members of your congregation to play the parts of visiting dignitaries from around the world. Interview them for their reaction to the news that a new king of peace has been born.

With Children

Tell the story of the magi. Make sure that the manger scene has been put away. For the magi’s gifts, try to obtain some frankincense and myrrh incense and use a few loonies for gold. Explain that the magi came looking for Jesus because they saw a sign in the sky that told them someone very important, a king, was born. When they found Jesus, Mary and Joseph were no longer in the stable. Let the children touch the gifts and smell the incense. Explain the meaning of these gifts.

Alternatively: Tell the legend about Old Befana, an old woman who is invited to go with the wise men, but who decides to stay and do her sweeping. Later, she changes her mind, but it is too late. On Epiphany eve, she leaves gifts for the children, hoping that one is the Christ child.

Sermon Starter

I have always been struck by the impressive cast of characters in this pericope. Looking for or having some concerns around the birth of the infant, we have King Herod, wise men from the East, the chief priests and scribes (i.e., the religious leaders), and “all of Jerusalem.” All this kafuffle surrounds a mere infant, who, by all earthly appearances, has only a young woman and her carpenter husband for his protection. We know that King Herod was somewhat zealous in protecting his own interests and disinclined to take lightly any threat to his throne, but what was the problem with the religious leaders? Why didn’t they herald this birth? Was it because Herod the Great had rebuilt their temple? Or were they afraid of Herod’s reaction to the announcement of a potential contender to Herod’s title (even if he was a baby). Fear, anxiety, insecurity—these are the real enemies of the child, and they are also very real stumbling blocks in our own lives when someone (or something) new threatens to upset the established order.

Hymns

VU 79              “Arise, your light is come”

VU 81              “As with gladness men of old”

VU 82              “A light is gleaming”

VU 87              “I am the light of the world”

VU 89              “From a distant home”

VU 91              “The first Nowell”

VU 96              “Will you come and see the light”

VU 97              “When a star is shining”

VU 679            “Let there be light”

MV 110           “First-born of Mary”

MV 190           “Laughter lit the stars”

MV 220           “Hope shines as the solitary star”

Keyboard/Instrumental

Buxtehude, D.  “Chorale Fantasia on WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET DER MORGENSTERN” (BuxWV 223) (various publishers) A selection of medium-difficulty based on the tune “How brightly shines the morning star.”

Hustad, D.        “March of the Magi” from Christmas Organ Festival (Hope) Charming, simplified version of a piece by Dubois that captures the magi’s journey.

Choral

Nicolai, P. (adapt.)       “How Brightly Beams the Morning Star” SATB (VU 98) A vibrant setting of the chorale. Choirs will have a lot of fun with the rhythms once they become natural.

Perry, D. and J.            “You Are My Light” SATB or SAB, piano (Laurel Press) A lively song of praise.