A Traditional Protestant Epiphany Service

The following service is a creative adaptation of the traditional pattern and texts for worship on Epiphany. It will be of particular help for those who plan more formal Epiphany worship. For others, the commentary included with this service will provide a guide to thoughtful planning for the Advent season.

The principal theme of an Epiphany service of worship is rooted in the paschal mystery and the redemption which it brings to the world. The coming of the magi to pay homage to Jesus (the theme of the Epiphany gospel reading of Matt. 2:1–12) is no mere interesting tale with a moral, but a story that speaks to the very essence of the gospel and its redemptive motif. For it has to do with the extension of salvation to the Gentiles and is proclaimed in the Epiphany service as the fulfillment of the Old Testament reading for the day: "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you…. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Isa. 50:1–6). Likewise, the epistle reading carries a salvific message (Eph. 3:2–3a, 5–6) proclaiming that "the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel." It is no wonder that the Epiphany in the early church was a major celebration, standing second in rank to Easter. For through Epiphany the manifestation of God's salvation is indeed made clear. But the point of this feast goes beyond the manifestation of God in history and demands the manifestation of Christ in our own experience and then from us to others. Each of us is one for whom Christ is manifested as Savior of the world and King of the universe. And unless the Epiphany takes root in us and is born within, and unless we express it to others, the purpose of God's appearance has been stifled and thwarted. The Service God's Word of Greeting Commentary: The worship setting for Epiphany should reflect the festive nature of the celebration. Colors appropriate for use include vibrant shades of gold, white, yellow, and green. Images traditionally associated with Epiphany include the gifts of the magi. Events associated with the Epiphany season include not only the coming of the magi, but also the baptism of Jesus, the wedding at Cana, and—at the end of the Epiphany season—the transfiguration of Jesus. Banners, paraments, and printed liturgy covers may feature these colors, images, and events for the day of Sunday of Epiphany only or for the entire season of Epiphany, which a congregation may choose to observe until the beginning of Lent. If the latter choice is made, perhaps a collage of symbols related to each of the above events in the life of Christ could be featured. Commentary: The headings used in this order of service highlight the nature of our worship as a response to God. Each heading points to an element in the worship service in which we hear God's word to us: the greeting, the declaration of pardon, the sermon, the Communion, and the benediction. Within each heading, each action of worship either leads up to or responds to these words. These headings may be used for any service in the Christian year. Gathering of the Congregation (with organ, piano, or instrumental prelude) Commentary: Pre-service music for Epiphany can appropriately be very celebrative. If selections are based on Epiphany hymn tunes, then the hymn texts may be printed in the order of service as a guide to the pre-service meditation of the people. Declaration of Trust Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. (Ps. 124:8). People: Amen. Commentary: Many congregations begin each service with this declaration of trust, which is appropriate to any service in the Christian year. It functions as a way of expressing the congregation's solidarity in their trust in God as worship begins. Call to Worship: Isaiah 60:1–3 Commentary: This passage is taken from the Old Testament lesson for Epiphany. It announces the nature of the service as a celebration of God's grace and uses the central epiphanic image of light. Processional Hymn: "As With Gladness Men of Old" Commentary: Other appropriate hymns include "How Bright Appears the Morning Star," "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise," and "Hail to the Lord's Anointed" (a metrical setting of Ps. 72). Greeting Pastor: The grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for all humankind. (Titus 2:11) People: And also with you. Pastor: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (1 Tim. 1:2) People: Amen. God's Word of Pardon Invitation to Confession Leader: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:5b–8). Aware of God's presence with us, let us now humble ourselves, confess our sin, and seek his grace. Prayer of Confession People: Almighty God, we enter your presence humbly, aware that we approach you from a world that chooses to walk in darkness, apart from you. Each one of us has ignored and even denied the enlightening power of Jesus Christ. We confess now our sins to you, God of power and might. Penetrate our darkness by the power of Christ's light, that we may live in the joy of knowing and loving you and each other. Declaration of Pardon Leader: The good news of the gospel is this: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) People: In Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Commentary: The use of 1 John 1 for both the call to confession and the declaration of pardon provides unity to this section of the service. This passage is especially appropriate for use on Epiphany because of its use of the image of God as light. Thanksgiving of the People Canticle, all singing: "Glory to God in the Highest" or "How Bright Appears the Morning Star" Commentary: Most hymnals include a setting of this traditional canticle. For a list of service music found in a representative group of hymnals, consult the commentary to the Communion liturgy of the Advent service in this series. Other acclamations of praise are also appropriate for use at this time, including choral and solo anthems and several hymns for Epiphany. Act of Fellowship Leader: Brothers and sisters in Christ, in this spirit of thanksgiving, let us greet each other as members of the body of Christ, reflecting our union with him and with each other. People: [to each other] God's peace be with you. Commentary: The passing of the peace is often placed at the beginning of the service (see the Advent service in this series) or just prior to the Communion liturgy (see the Lenten service in this series). Yet since it is our reconciliation with God that leads to our reconciliation with others in the body of Christ, it is also appropriate to greet fellow worshipers at this point, following the celebration of reconciliation with God. God's Word of Life THE WORD IS READ AND PREACHED Prayer for Illumination O God, out of the depths of eternity you moved in our history in the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord. In him was life and the life was our light. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Cause that light to shine ever brighter as the ancient word of promise and the gospel word of fulfillment are now read. Enable us to hear it afresh that it may bring new life and joy to our lives. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 60:1–6 Psalm: Psalm 72:1–14 New Testament Reading: Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12 Commentary: If a portion of this passage was used at the beginning of the service, an alternate lesson may be chosen. The Psalm may be sung by the choir or congregation. Musical resources for singing the Psalms are included in the commentary with the Pentecost service in this series. Response Leader: The Word of the Lord, the Light of the world. People: Thanks be to God. Sermon Commentary: The sermon for Epiphany can appropriately focus on the account of the magi as well as on the general theme of Christ as the Light of the world. RESPONSE TO THE WORD Statement of Faith: The Apostles' Creed Testimonies or Pledges of Faith. Commentary: The Epiphany observance celebrates the manifestation of Christ, the Light of the world, and hence provides a natural opportunity for the church to focus on the nature and extent of its ministry to the local community and to the world as the body of Christ. The sermon for Epiphany will likely challenge worshipers to reflect the light of Christ in the world. An appropriate response to the sermon could then include brief reports of the church's mission, testimonies of the Spirit's work through the local church, or specific challenges to the congregation regarding opportunities for service. Concerns of the Congregation Commentary: At this point, members of the congregation may make known to each other concerns for mutual prayer. These may be announced by the pastor or lay worship leader, by church members assigned to monitor the prayer needs of the congregation, or by individual worshipers during a time of sharing reasons for thanksgiving and intercession. Prayers of the People Prayers of Adoration Prayers of Petition Prayers of Dedication Commentary: These three aspects of the prayer may be led by three different members of the congregation. Each section of the prayer may close with the words, "All this we pray … ," to which the congregation would respond, "through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." This method for the prayers of the people, which would be appropriate for any Sunday in the liturgical year, allows for "the priesthood of all believers" to be represented by various leaders for prayer. It also allows the prayer to focus on a variety of occasions for prayer or petition, given the unique interests, gifts, and perspectives of each prayer leader. The prayers of both petition and dedication should make specific reference to any testimonies or challenges to commitment that may have immediately preceded the prayer. Offering Leader: People of God, having heard the call of the gospel, we now offer our gifts to God, as a token of our thanksgiving for the gifts of Jesus Christ, and pledge of our commitment to his service. People: Amen. [The gifts are received.] People sing: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow … " Commentary: This offertory sentence may be used for any service in the Christian year. During the singing of the doxology, the gifts of money as well as the gifts of bread and wine (or juice) for the sacrament may be brought forward. An alternate doxology for use during Epiphany is the final stanza of the hymn "O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High." God's Gift of the Sacrament Commentary: The following Communion liturgy is organized so as to point to the "geography" of the worship space. The first part of the Communion liturgy is the approach to the Table, which features many images of approaching the light of Christ. During the second part of the liturgy we are at the Table, communing with the Lord. The third part of the Communion liturgy is our dispersal into the world for the purpose of reflecting Christ's light. The text of this liturgy does not vary significantly from a traditional Communion liturgy and may be presented using traditional headings. But picturing the liturgy as an approach to and dispersal from the Table may helpfully reinforce the message of Epiphany. This structure may be reinforced by having each section of the liturgy led from a different place in the worship space. The approach to the Table may be led, for example, from within the congregation, while the final section of dispersal may be led by various leaders stationed near the doorways which exit from the worship space. APPROACH TO THE TABLE Invitation Leader: Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God. Hear the declaration of our Savior Jesus Christ: "I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Come, let us approach together the table of our Lord. Prayer of Thanksgiving Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord, our Light and Life. Leader: Let us bring our praise to God. We praise you, O God, for in Jesus Christ—the mystery of the Word made flesh—you sent a light to shine upon the world, that he might bring us out of darkness into your marvelous light. Therefore with all Christians we praise your name and sing with joy: People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Commentary: Most hymnals include a setting of this traditional canticle. For a list of service music found in a representative group of hymnals, consult the commentary to the Communion liturgy of the Advent service in this series. Leader: We remember with joy the grace by which you created all things and made us in your image. We rejoice that you called a people in covenant to be a light to the nations. Yet we rebelled against your will. In spite of prophets and pastors sent forth to us, we continued to break your covenant. In the fullness of time, you sent your only Son to save us. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of your servant Mary, sharing our life, he reconciled us to your love. At the Jordan your Spirit descended upon him, anointing him to preach to good news of your reign. He healed the sick and fed the hungry, manifesting the power of your compassion. He sought out the lost and broke bread with sinners, witnessing the fullness of your grace. We beheld his glory and await seeing his glory extended to the ends of the earth. For joy of knowing him our Lord and Savior, we bring our praise and thanksgiving. Amen. Commentary: Note the several references to Christ as light, to the baptism of Christ, to the manifestation of Christ's presence to the world—all of which make this prayer uniquely suited to use during Epiphany. Institution Leader: The Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." Memorial People: By sharing in this feast, we proclaim that Jesus Christ, who once was dead, but now is risen, is the Light of the world! THE SACRAMENT Prayer of Consecration Leader: Let us pray. People: Gracious God, in your light we see light. So pour out now your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, we pray, sanctifying them and showing them to be good gifts for your holy people, the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Amen. Invitation Pastor: Friends in Christ, the Lord has prepared his table for his church. All who love him and trust in him alone for their salvation are now invited to come to the table of the Lord. People: We come with gladness. Thanks be to God! Pastor: The gifts of God for the people of God. Communion Pastor: (as the people take the bread): The body of Jesus Christ, broken for you. Pastor: (as the people take the cup): The blood of Jesus Christ, shed for you. Commentary: During the sacrament, appropriate instrumental, choral, or solo music may be played or sung, or the congregation may sing a series of Communion hymns. Preference should be given to texts that focus on Christ as the Light of the world, the sacrament as a means for proclaiming Christ's love to the world, and the subject of the sermon of that particular Sunday. DISPERSAL INTO THE WORLD Thanksgiving Leader: Jesus Christ is the Light of the world! People: Thanks be to God! Leader: Lord, now let your servants depart in peace. People: For our eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. Leader: A light to reveal you to the Gentiles. People: The glory of your people Israel. Leader: Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. People: Amen and Amen! Commentary: This thanksgiving is based on the Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) from Luke 2:28–31. While appropriate for use in every service in the Christian year, its reference to Christ as the Light of the world makes it especially appropriate for use on Epiphany. God's Word of Blessing Charge to the People Leader: People of God, go now in the power of Christ and extend the radiance of Christ's light into our dark world. Live as children of light, for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. And in all things, give thanks to God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. (based on portions of Eph. 5:8ff) Hymn of Dedication (Recessional): "Lord of the Universe" Commentary: The text of the final hymn may be chosen to focus on the church's mission in reflecting Christ's light to the world. This type of text also highlights the symbolic quality of the recessional, which dramatizes the church's going out into the world in Christ's name. This theme can be emphasized on Epiphany by having white and gold banners or streamers that may have been used to prepare the worship space carried out by those leading the procession, perhaps by liturgical dancers. Benediction Pastor: May Christ be manifested in you, that you may be a light to the world. And may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. Dispersal of the Congregation (with organ, piano, or instrumental postlude) Commentary: Post-service music should be festive on Epiphany Sunday, in the manner of the recessional hymn.