Epiphany
January 6
Image: He, Qi. Adoration of the Magi,
from Art in the Christian Tradition,
a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.
Click on Scripture
Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Roman
Catholic reading: Psalm 72:1-13
Ephesians 3:1-12
Roman Catholic
reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Reading and Studying the Text This Week
- Texts:
- Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library: Year A, Year B. Year C.
- Roman Catholic readings from the New American Bible (Epiphany).
- Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
- The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
- American Baptist Churches Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
- ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
- Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
-
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Working Preacher commentaries of RCL texts Luther Seminary, 2019.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Epiphany of the Lord,. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Faith in Process, Paul Nancarrow, 2019.
- "Consumed by the Fire of a Star," Kathryn Matthews, Sermon Seeds, UCC. 2019.
- "A Far Journey: Epiphany, Baptism of Jesus, and a Decade at The Painted Prayerbook", Jan Richardson, 2017.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2019.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2019.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2019.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2019.
- "The Child King Messiah Shepherd Child," D. Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
- "Stars and Prophets in Alignment," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
- Ministry Matters.
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Epiphany, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- What Epiphany Means, Dr. Mark D. Roberts, Patheos.
- The African American Lectionary, Holy Communion and Epiphany, 2010.
- Jesus Now, Epiphany. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. nnotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2019.
- Living by the Word, David Keck, The Christian Century, 2019.
- "The Story Continues: On Dreams and Celebrated Births and Following Hope Where It Leads," Janet H Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2019.
- "Gathered at the Light," Bob Cornwall, 2019.
- "Fear or Faith," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2019.
- A Provocation, Richard Swanson, Provoking the Gospel, 2019.
- Ministerial Mutterings, RevGord, 2019.
- peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2019.
- "The Light of God's Liberation," Caleb Tabor, Modern Metanoia, 2019.
- "Epiphany Light," Sermon Stories, 2019.
- "The Gifts We Give," Amy Lindeman Allen, Political Theology, 2019.
- "Look! Up in the Sky!" Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
- Lectionary Notes, Fred Horton, 2019.
- Magi Bible, Toward a Sane Faith, 2019
- Preaching Tip, Bob Eldan, 2019.
- Sacredise, 2019.
- "Perspective," Michael Ruffin, Connections: Next Sunday Resources, 2019.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2019.
- Insights with Seitz Podcast, Wycliffe College, 2019,
- Radical Discipleship.Net, "The Wild Lectionary," curated by Laurel Dykstra.
- Earthkeeper's Preaching, 2019.
- Theology of Work, 2019.
- Stewardship of Life, 2019.
- Church Health Daily Devotions, Butch Odom, 2019.
- "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2019. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
- Homily Week, 2019.
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2019.
- The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2019.
- Sunday Scripture Podcast, Joe Cate and friends, 2019.
- Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2019
- LectioCast - Homebrewed Christianity, 2019.
- "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2019.
- "Crackers & Grape Juice," 2019.
- Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2019
- Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2019.
- HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2019.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2019.
- Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2019.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2019
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2019.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2019.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2019.
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2019
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2019.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2019.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2019.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2019.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2019.
- Epiphany Preaching, Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2018
- peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2017.
- Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2017.
- "Not Your Average Christmas Pageant," Colin Cushman, Modern Metanoia, 2017.
- Ekklesia Project Debra Dean Murphy, 2016.
- Ponderings on a Faith Journey Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2016.
- A Different Heresy Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2016.
- Signs of the Times, Ken Sehested, prayer & politiks, 2016.
- LECTIO Eric Smith, 2016.
- Peace on Justice, Barbara Born, 2016.
- "Wise in the Way," Thomas Beam, 2016.
- Stewardship of Life Sharron R. Blezard, 2016.
- "I Was Better Than Jesus," Larry Patten, 2016.
- "The Cowardly Wise Men: A Reflection for Epiphany and the Holy Innocents," David R. Henson, Edges of Faith, 2015.
- The Star Signal, Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2015.
- "Epiphany in the Details," Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
- "Nativity Politics," Debra Dean Murphy, Ekklesia Project, 2015.
- "The Road to Bethlehem," Bob Stuhlman, 2015.
- "An Urban Epiphany," guest essay by Edwina Gateley, Journey with Jesus, Dan Clendenin, 2014.
- "Gold, Frankincense, and Foreigners, Too," John Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2014.
- "Epiphany: This Brightness That You Bear," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2014.
- "Women's Christmas: The Shimmering Hours," Jan Richardson, Sanctuary of Women, 2014.
- "Epiphany," Walter Brueggemann, at Journey With Jesus.
- "An 'Adults Only' Nativity Story," David Lose, WorkingPreacher, 2013.
- "America's Infanticide: No Cheap Comfort," Epiphany, Dan Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus, 2013.
- "Darkness and Light and My Son's Need to Know Where the Bad People Go," John Jay Alvaro, Ekklesia Project, 2012.
- "Gold, Frankincense and Myrhh," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
- "The Winning Light of God," John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2013.
- "Blessing of the Magi," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2013. (Use of images.).
- "Where's Jesus?" Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- "On Magi and Journeys," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
- "Where Is The Child?" Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2013.
- "Who Were Those Guys?" Stan Duncan, Home by Now, 2013.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2013.
- Christian Leadership Center Commentary, Leroy Huizenga, 2013.
- Epiphany Chalk House Blessing, Bosco Peters, 2011.
- The Painted Prayerbook, Epiphany: Where the Map Begins, Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
- "Can We Trust These Foreigners?" Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2011.
- "God Made Visible," Ragan Sutterfield, The Ekklesia Project, 2011.
- Home by Another Road, Epiphany Practices, Bruce Epperly, Patheos, 2011.
- "Pagan Magi and Power Politics: The 'Disclosure' of Epiphany," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
- Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked
in listings at top of page)
- "Home by Another Way," by Scott Spencer. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
- "The Troubling Star," the Rev. Maxwell Grant, Day 1, 2015.
- Ministry Matters.
- "The Light within All Life," the Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell, Day 1, 2013.
- "The Wise Man," Frederick Buechner.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2019.
- "Discovering Your Own Gifts for the Christchild," "Exploding Light," "Shooting Stars," "Where Did Christmas Go?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "Who Is This Child?" Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2019.
- "The Festival of Epiphany," pdf study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Christmas and Epiphany Library," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2011. Focus articles: "Distinctive Traditions of Epiphany," by Amber and John Inscore Essick, "A Feast Worthy of Devout Celebration," by Michael J. Clingenpeel.
- A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
- A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
- A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.
OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources
- The Text This Week's Epiphany Resources Page.
- Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2019.
- Sacredise, 2019.
- Ministry Matters.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Epiphany 2019, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Rev-o-lution Worship Resources, 2019.
- Epiphany Chalk House Blessing, Bosco Peters, 2011.
- The African American Lectionary, Holy Communion and Epiphany, 2010.
- Mustard Seeds: Epiphany A, Epiphany C, Epiphany B. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Observing Epiphany on the Sunday Before / An Order for Epiphany Sunday, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- "Chalking the Door" Epiphany ritual. Paul F. Bosch and André Lavergne. A home ritual to be used in celebrating Epiphany. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
- Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ: Epiphany Story, Holy Communion and Affirmation of Baptism, Epiphany and Baptism of Our Lord: Epiphany story emphasizing the coming of the Light, Holy Communion with Affirmation of Baptism. Lisa Frenz, Mr Carmel Lutheran Church.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Day of Epiphany (Christmas 2), by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Background and Liturgy for Epiphany and the Blessing of Water at Byzantine.Net (Byzantine Catholics on the Web).
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Epiphany, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
- Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
- The Epiphany, from
Exciting Holiness, Collects & Readings
for the Festivals & Lesser Festivals of the Calendar of the Church of England. - The Billabong, Epiphany, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL: Year A, Year B, Year C, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Prayers and Meditations, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Timeless Psalms, Joan Stott.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2016.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
- Reflections on collect prayers, Epiphany, Bosco Peters, Liturgy: Worship that Works - Spirituality that Connects.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
- Prayers of the People, Epiphany, 2016, Richard J. Einerson, sample prayers from Prayers of the People: Pastoral Prayers for Worship and Personal Devotion.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Liturgy Link, 2019.
- re: Worship, 2019.
- Point of Contact - Where Life and Worship Intersect, Julie Gvillo, Call to Worship is published on Tuesday mornings. The Confession piece is published on Wednesday mornings. And the Prayers of the People is published on Friday mornings.
- Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayers, 2019.
- Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2019
-
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- “When Mary Hugged Her Newborn Son,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrates Mary, the Shepherds and the Wise Men and asks "God, make us faithful, humble, wise, To know that Jesus changes lives." This hymn was commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook Tune: TALLIS' CANON (8.8.8.8) (All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night).
- “Once Long Ago,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrates the story of wise men and asks “"How can we honor Christ with what we bring? How can we now give presents to our king?" Tune: SANDON 10.4.10.4.10.10 (“God of Our Life”).
- Hymn for Epiphany B, 8.7.8.7.D Possible tune: Hyfrydol, Alan Hinton, Disclosing New Worlds, Lawrence Moore, 2009.
- "Shine," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, weekly new, relevant hymn set to traditional tunes.
- "The Wise Men Saw a Light Afar," Rev. Richard R. Chope, The Hymns and Carols of Christmas.
- Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany, 2013, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2013.
- Shepherd Sounds, Epiphany. Background information for hymns and choral music following the lectionary from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas, by Eric Mellenbruch and David Zersen.
- Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
- Lectionary Hymns, Epiphany, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
- Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
- Choral Anthem Project, Epiphany, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
- The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas,. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Together to Celebrate, David McGregor, 2019.
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- Graphics and Bulletin Materials
- Art in the Christian Tradition: Year A, Year B, Year C, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Epiphany. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Epiphany, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Epiphany, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
- Images for this week's readings: Year B Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
- Lectionary Puzzles, Epiphany. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
- Mustard Seeds: Epiphany A, Epiphany C, Epiphany B. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- "Looking for God," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- "Star Stickers," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2014.
- For Children:
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2014. 2013.
- "Storypath: A Resource for Ministry," January 6, 2019, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
- Epiphany Sunday, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2019.
- "Neon Starburst," John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermon, 2015.
- Stewardship of Life, 2019.
- On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2013.
- Little People, Big Word, Dianne Ditmer, 2014.
- "Star Stickers," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2014.
- "The Gift of Christmas," Dianne Deming, Children's Sermons Today, 2013.
- "Where's Jesus?" Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Ministry Matters.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- Children's Bulletins:
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2013.
- Lectionary Puzzles, Epiphany. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
- Drama:
- "Drama for Epiphany," Fay Rowland, The Reflectionary, 2018.
- "The Three Wisemen: A Traditional Play," "The Three Wisemen at Schiphol Airport, Year 2000: A Modern Play," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.