The Season of Epiphany 2017 (Year A)

Notable Feast Days this Week:

January 2 - Basil the Great, 379 (Roman Catholic Calendar)
January 2 - Gregory of Nazianzus,389 (Roman Catholic Calendar)
January 3 - The Prophet Malachi (Eastern Calendars) 
January 4 - Elizabeth Ann Seton (Roman Catholic Calendar)
January 6 - Epiphany of Our Lord (Western Calendars)

January 6 - Holy Theophany: The Baptism of Our Lord (Eastern)
January 7 - John the Baptist (Eastern Calendars)
January 8 - Baptism of Our Lord (Anglican/Lutheran Calendars)
January 8 - Epiphany of Our Lord (Roman Catholic, USA)


Liturgical Color - White


Revised Common Lectionary

Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17


Daily Readings (RCL)

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----- The Baptism of Our Lord -- --- First Sunday After the Epiphany - January 8, 2017 (Year A)

Beloved Son
"God tells us we need not be afraid: he is with us (Isaiah 42:1-9)! He is powerful and full of majesty (Psalm 29) and sent his only son, Jesus, who was baptized by John in order to fulfill the law, although he had no need of forgiveness of sins. The Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove, and God declared Jesus his "beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:13-17). We celebrate the good news that Christ, who was crucified, rose from the dead, and we may find forgiveness of our sins through him (Acts 10:34-43). "
- Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional

Epiphany and the Baptism of Our Lord

The Epiphany of our Lord is celebrated on January 6 but is extended by some churches into a season that includes the weeks preceding Lent. This week is a significant launching point in the liturgical calendar for both Western and Eastern Christians. The Epiphany celebration and the Baptism of Jesus both serve as extensions of the revelation of light and knowledge that came through the Incarnation of Jesus at Christmas.
 
The word "epiphany" comes from a Greek word meaning "manifestation or appearance." In the context of church history, this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi and Christ's revelation extending to all the peoples of the earth. The adoration of the Magi is a sign that the light of Christ has come for the whole world, even Gentiles from the farthest reaches of the known world. Through the baptism of Jesus, the love of God is demonstrated and revealed as a Trinitarian relationship. 

The Epiphany season places special emphasis on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ. The Season of Epiphany starts on January 6th and ends the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. From Christmastide to the beginning of Lent worshipers grow in an awareness of the significance of the entire life of Jesus and prepare for the call to discipleship that will happen in Lent. 

Psalm of the Week
Scripture Readings

"Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic..."

Isaiah 42:1-9
The servant of the Lord brings justice
Acts 10:34-43
Jesus' ministry and mission was revealed at his baptism
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus is revealed as the Son of God

Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

The Entire Bible in One Year
Chronological
Practicing Prayer
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.  -from The Book of Common Prayer
Contemplative Prayer (View and Download)
Daily Prayer (View and Download)
Audio Prayer Meditation - Pray As You Go
Psalm 29 Spotify Playlist
More Spotify Psalms Playlists...
Singing Psalms and Hymns
Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come | by Jered McKenna | Leadsheet

Psalm 29 (Ascribe to the Lord) | Tune "Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come Words by P.Majorins based on Psalm 29 | Leadsheet

Brightest and Best (Star of the East) | Sacred Harp | Leadsheet | Capo

This is the Christ | Words by Martin Luther, Music by Sandra McCracken | Lead sheets and Piano Music 

A list of contemporary Epiphany music compiled by Bruce Benedict from Cardiphonia. Charts and recordings included!

"Epiphany Resource Guide for Planning Worship" from The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship


Psalm 29 Metrical Options 

Resources for Pointed Chant 

Resources for Plainchant


Read about "Singing the Psalms: A Guide for Modern Worship"
Poem for Epiphany

Epiphanytide

Trembling before Thee we fall down to adore Thee,
Shamefaced and trembling we lift our eyes to Thee:
O First and with the last! annul our ruined past,
Rebuild us to Thy glory, set us free
From sin and from sorrow to fall down and worship Thee.

Full of pity view us, stretch Thy sceptre to us,
Bid us live that we may give ourselves to Thee:
O faithful Lord and true! stand up for us and do,
Make us lovely, make us new, set us free –
Heart and soul and spirit – to bring all and worship Thee.

-Christina Rossetti 
Music for Listening (Epiphany)
Contemporary Songs for Epiphany 

Sacred Choral Playlist

Wen Reagan - "Epiphany"
Thematic Art 
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