Epiphany
With thanks to page sponsor:
Rev. Brian Hansen
In memory of my family members, now departed,
whose lives of ministry live on through the Christian service
of those they taught.
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.
- 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.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Epiphany, 2012. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Preaching Helps (Epiphany). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany of the Lord, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Epiphany, 2012, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- Homiletical Commentary on non-Gospel texts, Susan K. Hedahl, Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary, Proclamation and Celebration, 2012.
- Ministry Matters free worship resources (was Cokesbury Resources), January 1, 2012.
- Lectionary Notes, Beth Quick, Epiphany Sunday, 2012.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Epiphany, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Epiphany: Year A, Year B, Year C, commentary, Epiphany, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- What Epiphany Means, Dr. Mark D. Roberts, Patheos.
- Lexegete, Epiphany and Epiphany One, Dave Buehler, Yr. Obt. Svt., 2011.
- The African American Lectionary, Holy Communion and Epiphany, 2010.
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Epiphany, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Jesus Now, Epiphany. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Text Studies, Epiphany, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Preaching Helps, Epiphany 2005, Elaine Siemsen, Currents in Theology and Mission.
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2012.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2012.
- Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship Now. ELCA, 2012.
- World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2012.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2012.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2012.
- 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.
- 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, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2012.
- Homiletical Hot Tub, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2012.
- The Good Word, A Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2012.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, On the 8th day of Christmas, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2012. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
- "Los Tres Reyes: Did We Miss a Holiday?" Rev Dr Eric D. Barreto, Huffington Post, 2012.
- "Going Home By Another Road," Bruce Epperly, Patheos, 2012.
- "Epiphanies," Jim Burklo, Patheos, 2012.
- "Were Those Camel Riders 'Wise Guys'?" Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2012.
- "Find that Child," Caspar Green, Scarlet Letter Bible, 2012.
- "Look to a Star Rising," Peter Lockhart, Reflections on Faith and Spirituality, 2012.
- "A Super-Nova Shining," John C. Holbert, Patheos, 2012.
- "Mine and Thine," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2012.
- Epiphany: Blessing for Those Who Have Far to Travel, Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
- "Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh: Get Them While Supplies Last!" Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2012.
- Grounded & Rooted in Love, Laura and Matt Norvell, 2012.
- Daily Reflection, Epiphany, 2012, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University. Reflexiones Dominicales en español.
- "The Story of the Other Wise Man," Henry Van Dyke, abridged for pulpit use by Carlos E. Wilton.
- HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2012.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2012.
- 10 Minute Worship Blog, Dan Bollerud, 10 minute commuter mp3 worship, 2012.
- Weekly Reading, Anthony B. Robinson, 2012.
- Blogging toward Sunday, Century Blog, 2012.
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Dicese of Texas, 2012.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2012.
- Quadratos, Alexander J. Shaia, 2012.
- The Hardest Question, 2012.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts, 2012.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2012.
- Kairos-Milwaukee UCC Blog, Reflections on the RCL by Rev. Rick Skidmore, 2012.
- Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, UCC.org. Daily devotional for Twitter. (Daily RCL)
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2012.
- Chmod, Lectionary Journal of Andy Gay, 2012.
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2012
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2012.
- Church in the World, Steve Godfrey, 2012.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2012.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions, Volume 2, and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2012.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2012.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2012.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
- Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2012.
- "Blogging toward Sunday,", Century Blog, 2011.
- "You Have Choices"Angela Bauer-Levesque, Randall C. Bailey, Mary Foulke, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2011. (LGBT)
- 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.
- Lectionary Notes, Beth Quick, Epiphany, 2011.
- Daily Reflection, Epiphany, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2011.
- "Disturbing Tourists," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
- Epiphany C, Laura and Matt Norvell, Grounded and Rooted in Love, 2010.
- "The Myrrh's the Thing," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2009.
- "Pagan Magi and Power Politics: The 'Disclosure' of Epiphany," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
- "A Disturbing Gift," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Voices of Truth," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2008.
- The Christian Century archives:
- "Kingly Presence," Herbert O'Driscoll, 2003.
- "Off By Nine Miles," Walter Brueggemann, 2001.
- Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
- Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked
in listings at top of page)
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2012.
- Ministry Matters free worship resources (was Cokesbury Resources), January 1, 2012.
- "The Main Thing," the Rev. Randy Calvo, Day 1, 2008.
- "Discovering Your Own Gifts for the Christchild," "Exploding Light," "Shooting Stars," "Where Did Christmas Go?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- "You Light Up My Life!" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2004.
- "More Light, Please," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
- Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "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.
- "Looking for God," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
- Proclaiming Faith, Epiphany, 2010 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
- 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:
- Worship Planning Helps (Epiphany Sunday): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- The Worship Closet, Creative Worship Ideas, 2012.
- Ministry Matters free worship resources (was Cokesbury Resources), January 1, 2012.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Epiphany 2012, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Worship Resources, January 1, 2012, Rev Mindi, Rev-o-lution.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany, 2012, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship".
- LCA Worship Resources, Epiphany, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
- Epiphany Chalk House Blessing, Bosco Peters, 2011.
- Chalk Marks the Way, Richelle Thompson, ECF Vital Practices, 2011.
- The African American Lectionary, Holy Communion and Epiphany, 2010.
- Worship Resources, Epiphany, 2011, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- 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.
- Inclusive Language Seekers Liturgies from Seekers Church:
- "A New Dawn" (2007)
- "Patience and Practice" (2006)
- "The Gift of Our Imperfect Lives" (2005)
- "Splinter the Darkness" (2004)
- "On Love Alone" (2003)
- "Seeing...and Not Seeing" (2002)
- "Called by Name" (2001)
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Day of Epiphany (Christmas 2), by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgies Online, Epiphany A, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, 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.
- Prayers of the People, Year A - Holy Name. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- 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.
- "Prayer for Coming of the Magi," Dr. Susan M. (Elli) Elliott, 2005/2008.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL: Year A, Year B, Year C, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Sunday Prayer, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, Epiphany 2010.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Epiphany A, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Prayers and Meditations, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Timeless Psalms, Joan Stott.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Epiphany Sunday, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Offertory Prayers, Epiphany Sunday, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Epiphany, 2012. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2012.
- God's Light with Us, Worship Ways, UCC, 2012.
- Prayers of the People, Feast of the Holy Name, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2012.
- "Mine and Thine," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2012.
- Sunday Prayer: Baptism of Jesus/Epiphany, RevGalBlogPals, 2012.
- Prayers for Worship, David von Schlichten, Lectionary Homiletics.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
-
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, 2011, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- Lectionary Hymns, Epiphany Sunday, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- 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.
- Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- Sing for Joy, Epiphany, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Epiphany, 2012. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- 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.
- "Unexpected Visitors," reflection by Steve Berneking, PhD, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center. (pdf)
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- Scripture Pics, Weekly RCL-related image.
- For Children:
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2011.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- "What Is Concealed Now Is Revealed," Anna's Hosannas, 2012.
- "Wise Men Come from the East to Worship Jesus," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
- Children's Bulletins:
- CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
- Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Children, based on the Revised Common Lectionary, by Dorothy A. DeBisschop, Great Hill UMC, Seymour, Connecticut. At Bass Mitchell's homiliesbyemail.com.
- Epiphany Sunday, Dianne Deming, Children's Sermons Today, 2011.
- Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2010. (pdf)
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Lectionary Puzzles, Epiphany. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
- The Bible and Epiphany: The Wise Men and the Baptism of Jesus, crossword puzzle, Bruce Gillette.
- Drama:
- "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 Feast with the Shepherds," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
- A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.
