Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: The Magi waited and watched, knowing something wondrous would be happening.
People: We waited for the birth of Jesus; now something wondrous is about to take root.
Leader: The darkness that invaded all lives was banished by the light of that star.
People: The darkness what surrounds us is gone!
Leader: Let us celebrate the bright shining of God's love in our lives.
People: Let us become those who will bring the light of God's love to others. AMEN.
Opening Hymn
We Three Kings of Orient Are UMH 254
Prayer of Confession
Lord of living light, we hear the story of the Magi and tie it together with our warm Christmas celebration. It feels comfortable to us. Break those bonds of comfort and help us to realize the risk of witness and discipleship for those who follow your light. Shine brightly in us and through us. Forgive the blindness we so often offer to you. Give us vision of what you would have us be and do in the Light of Your Love. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
Light has come to you. Your light has come and it has erased the darkness. Now we can walk and work in the light. You are loved by God and called to God's service. AMEN.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Second Reading:
Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon:
Epiphany of the Lord by Kristine Adams
Hymn of Response
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed UMH 203
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
God of this day and all days! We can only imagine the darkness of the world into which you sent your son—a world that believed that salvation rested on our ability to follow the rules. Jesus came to bring light into that darkness and into our darkness. As we bring our tithes and offering to you this day, transform them into light for the hungry, for the hopeless, for the forgotten, and for the oppressed. We will share his light in us! In Christ, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee UMH 89
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude