EPIPHANY (Observed)

---

EPIPHANY (Observed) Saturday, January 6, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2018 – 8:00 a.m. As We Gather Christmas lights may be coming down, but the Light of the world still shines for all to see. We receive this Light during our Epiphany worship today. The promise that nations will come to the light of the Lord begins to be fulfilled when the Magi come from the East. They follow the star and are led to the Light—Jesus—that shines the brightness of God into the darkness of the world. He shines his light for you today as you receive His Word. Dispelling the darkness of sin, God fills us with the light of His presence invites you, as He did the Magi, to bow before Him in honor and praise. Rejoice and be glad—your Light has come!

Prelude & Welcome Entrance Hymn (Please stand on last verse) “O Morning Star How Fair and Bright” LSB 395

1

6 What joy to know, when life is past, The Lord we love is first and last, The end and the beginning! He will one day, oh, glorious grace, Transport us to that happy place Beyond all tears and sinning! Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are yearning For the day of Your returning!

Invocation P: In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

Confession & Absolution P: Arise, shine, for your light has come, C: and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. (Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.) P: Almighty God, thick darkness covers the whole earth, and the darkness of sin is on us, Your people. C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have often walked in darkness instead of Your light. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. P: Almighty God in His mercy invites all to see the light of Christ. For the sake of Christ, he forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

Kyrie P: C: P: C: P: C: P: C: P: C:

In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

Hymn of Praise (Sung)

“Let All Together Praise Our God”

7 Your grace in lowliness revealed, Lord Jesus, we adore And praise to God the Father yield And Spirit evermore; We praise You evermore.

2

LSB 389

Salutation and Prayer of the Day L: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. L: Let us pray. O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Wise Men of old. Guide us also to Him, the Light of the world, and lead us to respond in worship and praise; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. C: Amen.

 The Word of the Lord  Old Testament (Please be seated)

“Your Light has come”

Isaiah 60:1-6

1

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD. L: This is the Word of the Lord.

Epistle

C: Thanks be to God.

“Let light shine out of darkness”

2 Corinthians 4:1-12

1

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. L: This is the Word of the Lord.

3

C: Thanks be to God.

Alleluia and Verse (Please stand and sing)

LSB 156

Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Holy Gospel

“A Star Rises”

Matthew 2:1–12

1

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Children’s Message (Please be seated) Hymn of the Day (Please be seated)

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

(6:30 p.m.) “When Jesus Came to Jordan”

1 When Jesus came to Jordan to be baptized by John, He did not come for pardon, but as the sinless one. He came to share repentance with all who mourn their sins, To speak the vital sentence with which good news begins. 2 He came to share temptation, our utmost woe and loss, For us and our salvation to die upon the cross. So when the dove descended on him, the Son of Man, The hidden years had ended, the age of grace began. 3 Come, Holy Spirit, aid us to keep the vows we make; This very day invade us, and ev'ry bondage break. Come, give our lives direction, the gift we covet most: To share the resurrection that leads to Pentecost.

4

tune LSB 523

Sermon

“How many kings are in this story?”

2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

1) These “Wise Men,” or “Three Kings,” might be better labeled ____________. Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” –Matthew 2:1-2 2) God’s plan works in spite of the ______________________________________. “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” –Acts 17:30-31 3) God’s plan works in spite of _________________________________________. “Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, 12 lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them…” “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ 18 You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” –Deuteronomy 8:11-12, 17-18 4) God’s plan is not Herod’s plan, or Jerusalem’s, or the Magi’s, but it is ____________. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” –Ephesians 5:15-17 5)

What is your reaction to the news of this King? __________________________________________________________________ Listen to past sermons or share them with a friend at clcs.org/sermons.

5

Apostles' Creed (Please stand) I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life T everlasting. Amen.

Pastoral Greeting & Rite of Fellowship (Please be seated) (Welcome! Please add your name to the fellowship pad.)

Gathering of Offerings (As an act of worship and thanksgiving, we offer to God what He has first given to us: the first and best of our lives, time, talents and financial gifts. If you would like to contribute electronically, either onetime or ongoing gifts, please use www.clcs.org/donate or the QR code here.)

6

Offering Hymn

“Shine Jesus Shine”

7

Prayer of the Church (Please stand) P: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. L: For the peace of the whole world, that wars cease and that people of every nation find lasting, perfect peace in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, let Your light shine upon all nations. L: For those who lead and guide us in our congregations, schools, universities, and seminaries, that they be strengthened in their service to the Church in honor and praise to Christ, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, let Your light shine upon Your servants. L: For those who bring their tithes and offerings to this altar thatthese gifts be pleasing in God’s sight and provide many blessings to His Church, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, let Your light shine upon all who give. L: For those who lay down their lives for their fellow men and women, including first responders, members of law enforcement, doctors and nurses, and those who wear the uniform of our country, that they take shelter in the arms of our Savior, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, let Your light shine upon those who sacrifice their lives. P: For those who are sick and hospitalized, shut-in and homebound, and for all who are sick in heart, mind, and body, [especially . . .], that their lives be touched by our Father’s healing mercy, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, let Your light shine upon all those who suffer. P: For these and all our prayers, that the petitions of our hearts may be known to the One who knows and loves us all, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, let Your light lead us to You. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Lord's Prayer P: Lord remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: C: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. The 6:30 p.m. service continues on page 11 with the Benediction. Holy Communion – Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life. He says: “Come, for those who eat this bread and drink this cup will never hunger or thirst, but be raised up on the Last Day” (John 6). Whoever receives the Lord’s Supper must be a believer in Christ (Hebrews 11:6); be sorry for their sins (Proverbs 28:13); believe that Christ offers His body and blood with the bread and wine (1 Corinthians 10:16); and be willing to forgive those who have sinned against you (Matthew 6:1415). Come with faith in His promises to you and His presence in this holy meal. As you approach the Lord’s table, please move to the cross on the center rail. Gluten-free wafers are available on the two stands at the front of the church. Worshippers with a gluten allergy may pick up a sealed packet on their way to the communion rail.

8

 Service of Holy Communion 

8:00 a.m. Preface P: The Lord be with you. P: Lift up your hearts. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C: And also with you. C: We lift them to the Lord. C: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

P: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; for what had been hidden from before the foundation of the world You have made known to the nations in Your Son. As You by a star once guided Magi from the East, You now guide Your sons and daughters from every corner of the earth to come to Him who is the Light of the world. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Sanctus

LSB 161

The Words of Institution & the Peace of the Lord P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: Amen.

Agnus Dei (Sung)

LSB 163

Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.

9

Distribution Hymns (Please be seated) “The Star Proclaims the King Is Here”

“Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord”

10

LSB 399

LSB 637

Post-Communion Canticle (Please stand and sing) “Thank the Lord”

LSB 164

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell ev'ryone what He has done. Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name. He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia, alleluia.

Communion Blessing Post-Communion Prayer L:

C:

Let us pray. We give thanks to You, dear Father in heaven, that You continue to guide people of every nation to the One who is the Light of the world. Having tasted and seen Your goodness in His body and blood, grant that we who have seen this light may reflect His glory in all we say and do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

****************************************************************************************** 6:30 p.m. service continues here

Benediction P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace. C: Amen.

Sending Hymn

“As with Gladness Men of Old”

Postlude 11

LSB 397