Epiphany of the Lord
The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th Street, Coshocton, OH 43812
Pastor Karen Crawford
Debbie Clark, liturgist
Alice Hoover, organist
Prelude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star, setting, Johann ChristianHeinrich Rinck (Alice Hoover, organ)
One of the gifts of the wise men was myrrh – a burial spice – foreshadowing Jesus’ death.
In the second part of this piece, about the Christmas star, Rinck has included
a “motif” (distinct pattern of notes) that signifies the cross five times.
Greeting with Pastor Karen
Opening Sentences: Debbie Clark
A star has risen in the east.
Star of wonder, star of night!
A child is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! The herald angels sing!
Let us follow the star to Bethlehem
and bring our gifts to the newborn Christ.
Gathering Prayer: Debbie Clark
Hymn: 143 Angels, from the Realms of Glory… James Montgomery
Angels, from the realms of glory, wing you flight o’er all the earth;
you, who sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king!
Sages, leave your contemplations; brighter visions beam afar;
seek the great desire of nations; you have seen his natal star:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king!
Call to Confession/Prayer of Confession/Assurance
God of wonder, God of night, you are holy light in dark places; you are holy darkness when all is too bright. Forgive us, O God, when we turn away from your light: when we follow our own ambitions instead of your call, when we respond to your presence with fear rather than joy. Forgive us, O God, when we do not comprehend the depth of your Christmas love, the meaning of your powerful story, or the call you place on each of our lives. Forgive us, O God, and by your forgiveness, empower us to follow the star once more. Amen.
Time with Children and Youth
Prayer for Illumination
Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 (Debbie Clark)
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
Anthem: We Three Kings of Orient Are…. arr. Alec WIlder (Tubafours: Ron Geese & Ron Coombs, euphonium; Jim McIntyre & Ron Barkett, tuba)
Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
Holy wisdom, holy word. Thanks be to God!
Message: A Different Way Home…...Pastor Karen
Hymn: 132 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice… arr., John Mason Neale (Alice Hoover, organ)
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear o endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!
Invitation to the Offering/Prayer of Thanksgiving/Lord’s Prayer
Loving God, we give you thanks for the light of the world, Jesus Christ, through whom we have become fellow heirs, members of the same body and sharers in your promise. Receive the gifts we offer in union with Jesus our brother, who taught us to pray. 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 debts, as we forgive our
debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Offertory: Solo: Shepherds’ Watch…. Michael Card and Scott. Brasher
Debbie Clark, soloist; Alice Hoover, piano
Charge/Benediction
Postlude: The First Noel, The Tubafours… arr., Alec Wilder (The Tubafours)
Sharing God's Love and Grace 