Notable Feast Days this Week:

December 31 - Melania the Younger, Rome, 439
January 1 - Circumcision of Our Lord
January 2 - Basil the Great, 379 (Roman Catholic)
January 2 - Gregory of Nazianzus,389 (Roman Catholic)
January 3 - The Prophet Malachi (Eastern) 
January 4 - Elizabeth Ann Seton (Roman)
January 5 - John Neumann, Philadelphia, 1860 (Roman Catholic)
January 6 - Epiphany of Our Lord (Western)

Revised Common Lectionary

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12


Daily Readings

Abbreviated Daily Readings
Liturgical Color - White/Gold

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--------Epiphany of the Lord-------- January 6, 2019 (Year C)
Wise Men
During Epiphany, we remember the coming of the wise men from the east to honor the Savior's birth (Matthew 2:1-12). As the prophets foretold, Christ, the light of the world, has penetrated the darkness (Isaiah 60:1-6), bringing justice and peace (Psalm 72). Because of God's grace and Christ's birth, death and resurrection, we are offered salvation from sin (Ephesians 3:1-12)." - Thomas Oden
The Epiphany of our Lord is celebrated on January 6th 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 Worship Sourcebook states that "The word 'epiphany' comes from a Greek word meaning 'manifestation or appearance.' In the context of liturgical history, this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi." 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. 

The Season of Epiphany places special emphasis on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ. It 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. 

Poems
Epiphany Resources
"If we Christians would join the Wise Men, we must close our eyes to all that glitters before the world and look rather on the despised and foolish things, help the poor, comfort the despised, and aid the neighbor in his need."
—Martin Luther
Psalm
Scripture Readings

Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice... May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...



Commentary on Psalm 72
AugustineCalvinSpurgeon,
John Paul II


Audio
Psalm 72, Isaiah 60,
Ephesians 3, Matthew 2

Isaiah 60:1-6
Nations come to the light

Ephesians 3:1-12
Good news for all

Matthew 2:1-12
Christ revealed to the nations
 
 
Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

Bible in a Year
Chronological
Practicing Prayer
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. -from The Book of Common Prayer
Contemplative Prayer (View and Download)
Morning Prayer (View and Download)
Resources for Daily Prayer
Psalm Spotify Playlist
Singing Psalms and Hymns
Sleepers Awake (Ephesians 5) | by Brett Crull | Leadsheet

Jesus, Hope of the Nations | by Brian Doerksen | Chord Chart 

Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 72) | by Matt Searles | Leadsheet

Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come | by Jered McKenna | 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 


Hail to the Lord's Anointed | by James Montgomery / Arranged by The Welcome Wagon| Leadsheet

We 
Three Kings | Arranged by Tom Booth | Leadsheets

Psalm 72 Refrain | from The Emergent Psalter Leadsheet

Psalm 72 Metrical Options
Music for Listening
Thematic Art 
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