Epiphany!

The story of the three wise men who followed a bright star to greet the Christ-child has captured imaginations throughout the centuries and around the globe. Epiphany, meaning "sudden appearance" or "manifestation", is celebrated twelve days after Christmas, on January 6. Tomorrow at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church we will tell the story in many ways, including art, drama, and music. Children will act the part of the wise ones, bearing gifts and going on a journey through the Sanctuary. Readers will share poems written by Joyce Rupp and Howard Thurman.

If you are unable to attend church tomorrow, we hope that you will consider worshiping together as a family.

Here is an idea for an Epiphany family worship service:

Sing a favorite Christmas carol such as Silent Night or Away in a Manger

Pray a prayer of thanks and joy to God. Ask the Spirit to bless your time of worship.

Read Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12 or read the story of the wise men in a story Bible.

Prayer of confession: O God, our guide, who once used a star to lead people to Christ,we confess our poor sense of direction. We let ourselves become confused, easily distracted, and lose our way. We fail to follow the signs you provide. Forgive us, God. Lead us to Christ, so that we may follow his way to you. Amen.

Sing "We three kings"

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Talk about what it might have been like to have been one of those wise ones. What do you think the journey was like for them, and how did they feel at different points along the way?

Try an art project such as making a star together to hang in a prominent place in the home. Talk about how it can serve as a reminder that God's Spirit resides in your home, and in your hearts.

Family Communion:

God of all, awake to the dawning light of this Epiphany season, we gather around your table. Bless this bread and cup we pray, that we would be nourished by your infinite grace. Amen.

We remember that on the night that Jesus shared a meal with his friends, when one of his friends turned against him, that Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave a piece to each of them. He told them that the bread represented his own body and his love for them. They enjoyed the bread together. Then Jesus poured wine into a cup, blessed it, and poured it for the others. The cup reminds us of the grace of God, the brave way Jesus gave his life for those he loved, and the blessings we share as the family of God. As often as we drink it, we do so in remembrance of Jesus.

Share the bread and cup. Offer the elements to one another. It need not be a solemn meal! Kids do a great job reminding us that Sacraments are a joyful celebration of God's love.

Thank you, prayer:

Thank you God for taking care of us, for filling our bellies with food and filling our hearts with love.

Closing Song: Go Tell it on the Mountain

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.

When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day,
I asked the Lord to help me,
And he showed me the way.

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.

Closing prayer: Shine your light on our path, O God, that we may continually walk with Jesus in our hearts. The wise ones were told in a dream to go home by another route - may we know that God is with us on the road, even when unexpected detours arise. Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Christ to the entire world. May we use our gifts to shine the light of Christ far and wide.


Peace be with you!