EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
The Lord God is Manifested in the Incarnate Son
January 4, 2026
AS WE GATHER: The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a “Thirteenth Day” of Christmas; and yet, it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. While Christmas has focused on the Incarnation of our Lord—that is, on God becoming flesh—the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1-2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth—not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles (Eph. 3:8-10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5-11, so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word, to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3-6). With gold they confess His royalty; with incense, His deity; and with myrrh, His priestly sacrifice (Matt 2:11).
PARTICIPATING:
Worship Leader/ Preacher Pastor Justin D. Kane
Organist Mr. Cyril Hasselbrook
Elder Mr. Jon Champion
Lay Reader Mr. Jon Champion
Greeters Steve and Jan Miller
Door Opener Mr. Brian Williams
Take a moment to notice the * at the beginning of various portions of the order of service. The * indicates the place where it is inappropriate to enter or leave the sanctuary because it marks a time of prayer or respect for the Word of the Lord. Please be considerate of others around you by honoring these notations.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Divine Service III
Announcements
Opening Hymn LSB 383 “A Great and Mighty Wonder”
*Confession/Absolution: LSB 184
PSALM 24 (Chanted responsively) antiphon: v. 7
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O | ancient
doors,*
that the King of glory | may come in.
The earth is the LORD’S and the full- | ness
thereof,*
the world and those who | dwell therein.
for he has founded it up- | on the seas*
and established it upon the | rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill | of the LORD?*
And who shall stand in his | holy place?
He who has clean hands and a | pure heart,*
who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear de- | ceitfully.
He will receive blessing | from the LORD*
and righteousness from the God of his sal- | vation.
Such is the generation of those who | seek him,*
who seek the face of the God of | Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O | ancient doors,*
that the King of glory | may come in.
Who is this King of | glory?*
The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in | battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O | ancient doors,*
that the King of glory | may come in.
Who is this King of | glory?*
The LORD of hosts, he is the King of | glory!
Glory be to the Father and | to the Son
and to the Holy | Spirit;
as it was in the be- | ginning,
is now, and will be forever. | Amen.
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O | ancient
doors,*
that the King of glory | may come in.
*Kyrie: LSB 186
*Gloria in Excelsis LSB 187
*Salutation: LSB 189
*COLLECT OF THE DAY:
Pastor: O God,
People: by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament: Isaiah 60:1-6 Pew Bible Page 1155
Epistle: Ephesians 3:1-12 Pew Bible Page 1820
*Holy Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12. Pew Bible Page 1497
*Apostles’ Creed: LSB 192
Sermon Hymn: LSB 362 “O Sing of Christ”
Sermon
Offertory LSB 192
*Prayer of the Church
Prayer of the Church—Responsive Form
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
O God, You have made Yourself known to all nations in the person of Your Son. Grant us a right knowledge of Him, that we would abandon the darkness of this world and embrace the joy of His heavenly light. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, You have appointed pastors to make known the mystery of Your grace. Grant them the boldness of St. Paul to speak what You have revealed to them in Your Word, that we would worthily partake of all Your gifts. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son as the Savior of the world, that all the families of the nations might worship before You. Bless the families of this congregation with Your grace and protection, that they might remember You in both joy and trouble and worship before You forevermore. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Enlighten, O Lord, the rulers of this world by the proclamation of Your wisdom, which casts down the proud and raises up the lowly. Work peace and justice in our land, and give free course to Your blessed Gospel. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, You have made us fellow heirs of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Remember all those who are afflicted and in need of deliverance. Hear their prayers, provide help and deliverance according to Your will, and preserve them in the faith until that day when their eternal healing is fully revealed. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord, as Your Son was once found in the arms of the Virgin Mary, so now is He found in Your Holy Christian Church. Cause Your Word to abide richly among us, that many would be led to Christ through our witness. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
All these needs, gracious Father, and whatever else You know that we need, grant for the sake of Him who shattered this world’s darkness with everlasting light, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Lord’s Prayer: LSB 196
*Benediction: LSB 202
Closing Hymn: LSB 390 “Let Us All with Gladsome Voice”
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705