For Sunday January 4, 2015
Year B, Second Sunday after Christmas
Celebrating The Epiphany of Our Lord
Second Sunday of Christmas :: White ::
Isaiah 60:1-6 :: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 :: Ephesians 3:1-12 :: Matthew 2:1-12
Call to Worship (Responsive)
Adapted from Psalm 72
L: Give the king your justice, O God,
P: And your righteousness to the Son.
L: May the Kings of Sheba bring gifts.
P: May all kings fall down before him,
L: and all nations serve him.
P: Blessed be his glorious name, forever.
Invocation:
We gather together in the midst of your sanctuary, O God. We come into your radiance and celebrate again the discovery of your coming. As we worship you this day, guide our hearts to find you again. For we offer our prayers in the name of the one we first found lying in a manger, Christ our Lord.
Stewardship Moment:
Matthew 2:11 says “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” When we find the Christ, and see him living in our hearts, how can respond any less? Rather, we open our treasures and bring gifts to the living Christ, now alive in each of our hearts. We will now receive the gifts we bring to celebrate the presence of Christ.
Offertory Prayer:
Oh God of endings and beginnings, we come still basking in the glow of Christmas, and bring our gifts. Accept them as sacrifices for the hope of your kingdom. Guide and direct the use of these gifts that your church may grow strong in wisdom and your favor may be upon it. Amen.
Communion Meditation:
Ephesians 3:8 reminds us that grace was given to us so we can bring the news of the boundless riches of Christ to all. We share those riches at Christ’s table. This table. Come and experience the gift of grace and the boundless riches of Christ.
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