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.
Old Testament
Isaiah 60:1-6
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
72
*At the end of the Psalms this is sung or said Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
New Testament
Ephesians 3:1-12
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 2:1-12
Deacon:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Matthew's Gospel chapter 2, beginning at verse 1.
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 have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.' 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, 'In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' ' 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.' 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
After the Gospel reading, the deacon elevates the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.
Prayers of the People
Brothers and sisters, the whole world is called to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Grateful for the faith He has given us, let us bring our petitions before Him. That the Church, through word and deed, will lead the world to their Savior the way the star led the Magi to the King of Kings.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That just as Christ set aside His Divinity and became man, may nations recognize the sanctity of every human life.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That missionaries will have their strength renewed through the prayers and support of God's people.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will deepen their relationship with the Lord and come and worship Him as the wise men of old did.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the sick will discover in their sufferings the love that Christ displayed for them through His sufferings.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those families who have lost loved ones will find comfort in the promises of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Father in heaven, mercifully hear our prayer and deepen our faith that we may shine the light of Your Glory among our neighbors and friends.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN