Epiphany

Contents

Introduction to the Season

Seasonal Material

Invitations to Confession

Kyrie Confessions

Gospel Acclamations

Intercessions

Introductions to the Peace

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

Prefaces

Extended Prefaces

Blessings

Short Passages of Scripture

Seasonal Material connected with the Theme of Unity

Invitations to Confession

Kyrie Confessions

Confession

Acts of Penitence

Collects

Gospel Acclamations

Intercession

Introductions to the Peace

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

Prefaces

Extended Preface

Post Communions

Blessing

Alternative Dismissal

Acclamations

Short Passages of Scripture

Seasonal Material connected with the Theme of Mission

Invitations to Confession

Kyrie Confessions

Collects

Gospel Acclamations

Intercession

Introductions to the Peace

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

Extended Prefaces

Post Communion

Alternative Dismissal

Short Passages of Scripture

The Eucharist on the Feast of the Epiphany

The Eucharist on the Festival of the Baptism of Christ

A Service for the Festival of the Baptism of Christ

The Eucharist on the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Introduction to the Season

In the Western churches, the Epiphany (‘manifestation’) became an occasion to celebrate one element in the story of Christ’s birth, the visit of the far-travelled magi, understood as the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Matthew’s account speaks simply of ‘wise men from the east’; later tradition fixed their number at three, made them kings and recalled their resonant names – Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. In this perspective, Epiphanytide is an apt season to pray for the worldwide mission of the Church. The feast of the Conversion of St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, appropriately falls in the Epiphany season, as does the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In the Eastern churches, the Epiphany is, rather, the celebration of Christ’s baptism at the hands of John, when the heavens were opened and a voice from heaven declared Jesus to be God’s beloved Son. The miracle of Cana in Galilee, where Jesus ‘first manifested his glory’, follows immediately:

Manifest at Jordan’s stream,

Prophet, Priest, and King supreme;

and at Cana wedding-guest

in thy Godhead manifest.

(Christopher Wordsworth)

The arrangement of the Sundays of Epiphany in the Revised Common Lectionary deliberately draws out these aspects.

The season of joyful celebration that begins at Christmas now continues through the successive Sundays of Epiphany, and the festal cycle ends only with the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas). The child who has been manifested to the magi at his birth is now recognized by Simeon and Anna, when he comes to be presented in the Temple according to the Law of Israel. He is both ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’ and ‘the glory of God’s people Israel’. But the redemption he will bring must be won through suffering; the Incarnation is directed to the Passion; and Simeon’s final words move our attention away from the celebration of Christmas and towards the mysteries of Easter.

Seasonal Material

Invitations to Confession

Epiphany to the Eve of the Presentation

A1

The grace of God has dawned upon the world

through our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who sacrificed himself for us to purify a people as his own.

Let us confess our sins.

cf Titus 2.11-14

Baptism of Christ

A2

Because God was merciful,

he saved us through the water of rebirth

and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.

But through sin we have fallen away from our baptism.

Let us return to the Lord and renew our faith in his promises

by confessing our sins in penitence.

Titus 3.5

A3

By the mercies of God,

let us confess our sins and present our bodies as a living sacrifice,

holy and acceptable to him,

which is our spiritual worship.

Romans 12.1

Kyrie Confessions

Epiphany to the Eve of the Presentation

B1

God be gracious to us and bless us,

and make your face shine upon us:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

May your ways be known on the earth,

your saving power among the nations:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

You, Lord, have made known your salvation,

and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B2

Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of peace:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh

and splendour of the Father:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B3

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

You bring pardon and peace to the broken in heart:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B4

Lord Jesus, illuminate the darkness in our hearts:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, open our eyes to your saving love:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, unstop our ears to hear your living word:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Gospel Acclamations

Epiphany to the Eve of the Presentation

G1

Alleluia, alleluia.

Christ was revealed in flesh, proclaimed among the nations

and believed in throughout the world.

cf 1 Timothy 3.16

Alleluia.

G2

Alleluia, alleluia.

We have seen his star at its rising,

and have come to pay him homage.

Matthew 2.2

Alleluia.

Baptism of Christ

G3

Alleluia, alleluia.

This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.

Alleluia.

Matthew 3.17

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

G4

Alleluia, alleluia.

This child is the light to enlighten the nations,

and the glory of your people Israel.

cf Luke 2.32

Alleluia.

G5

Alleluia, alleluia.

Our eyes have seen your salvation,

a light to enlighten the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

cf Luke 2.30,32

Alleluia.

Intercessions

Epiphany

H1

Let us worship the Saviour with joy

and make our prayer to our heavenly Father.

The magi came from the east to worship your Son:

Father, grant to Christians everywhere

the spirit of adoration …

Lord of glory,

hear our prayer.

The infant Christ received gifts of gold, incense and myrrh:

Father, accept the offering of our hearts and minds

[at the beginning of this year] …

Lord of glory,

hear our prayer.

The kingdoms of this world have become

the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ:

Father, grant an abundance of peace to your world …

Lord of glory,

hear our prayer.

The Holy Family lived in exile and in the shadow of death:

Father, look in mercy on all who are poor and powerless,

and all who suffer …

Lord of glory,

hear our prayer.

Your Son shared the life of his home and family at Nazareth:

Father, protect in your love our neighbours,

our families and this community of which we are a part …

Lord of glory,

hear our prayer.

Father, we rejoice in our fellowship

with the shepherds, the angels, the magi,

the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph

and all the faithful departed.

In your unfailing love for us and for all people,

hear and answer our prayers through your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

H2

We pray that Christ may be seen in the life of the Church.

You have called us into the family

of those who are the children of God.

May our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ

be strengthened by your grace.

Jesus, Lord of the Church,

in your mercy hear us.

You have called us to be a temple

where the Holy Spirit can dwell.

Give us clean hands and pure hearts

so that our lives will reflect your holiness.

Jesus, Lord of the Church,

in your mercy hear us.

You have called us to be a light to the world,

so that those in darkness come to you.

May our lives shine as a witness

to the saving grace you have given for all.

Jesus, Lord of the Church,

in your mercy hear us.

You have called us to be members of your body,

so that when one suffers, all suffer together.

We ask for your comfort and healing power

to bring hope to those in distress.

Jesus, Lord of the Church,

in your mercy hear us.

You have called us to be the Bride,

where you, Lord, are the Bridegroom.

Prepare us for the wedding feast,

where we will be united with you for ever.

Jesus, Lord of the Church,

in your mercy hear us.

Jesus, Lord of the Church,

you have called us into fellowship with all your saints.

We unite our prayers with theirs

and ask for grace to serve you with joy

where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for all eternity.

Amen.

H3

We pray for the coming of God’s kingdom.

You sent your Son to bring good news to the poor,

sight to the blind,

freedom to the captives

and salvation to your people:

anoint us with your Spirit;

rouse us to work in his name.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to bring help to the poor

and freedom to the oppressed.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to tell the world

the good news of your healing love.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to those who mourn,

to bring joy and gladness instead of grief.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to proclaim that the time is here

for you to save your people.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Father, use us, unworthy as we are,

to bring in your kingdom of mercy, justice, love and peace.

Empower us by your Spirit and unite us in your Son,

that all our joy and delight may be to serve you,

now and for ever.

Amen.

Baptism of Christ

H4

Jesus calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Washed clean by the waters of baptism,

let us pray that we may live the life to which he has called us.

Lord Jesus, eternal Word,

proclaimed as the Christ by John the forerunner,

hear us as we pray for all who proclaim your word …

Lord of truth,

hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, baptizing with the Spirit and with fire,

strengthen us to withstand all the trials of our faith …

Lord of truth,

hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, bringing forgiveness to all who repent,

teach your Church dependence on your grace …

Lord of truth,

hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, fulfilment of the promises of old,

give hope to all who suffer or are ignored …

Lord of truth,

hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, beloved Son of the Father,

anoint us with the gifts of your Holy Spirit …

Lord of truth,

hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, bringer of hope,

share with all the faithful the riches of eternal life …

Lord of truth,

hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ,

in you the Father makes us and all things new.

Transform the poverty of our nature

by the riches of your grace,

and in the renewal of our lives

make known your heavenly glory.

Amen.

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

H5

Let us pray to the Father through Christ our light and life.

Father,

your Christ is acclaimed as the glory of Israel:

look in mercy on your Church, sharing his light …

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

[Father,]

your Christ in the Temple brings judgement on the world:

look in mercy on the nations who long for his justice …

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

[Father,]

your Christ, who was rich, for our sake became poor:

look in mercy on all who are in need

and those who suffer with him …

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

[Father,]

your Christ is the one in whom faithful servants find their peace:

look in mercy on the whole Church,

which glories in your salvation …

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

[Father,]

your Christ is the one destined for rejection:

look in mercy on us as we turn towards his passion.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Almighty Father,

you kept faith with Simeon and Anna,

and showed them the infant King.

Give us grace to trust your promises,

and patience to wait for their fulfilment;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introductions to the Peace

Epiphany to the Eve of the Presentation

J1

Our Saviour Christ is the Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there shall be no end.

J2

Christ is our peace.

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.

The old has passed away: behold, everything has become new.

2 Corinthians 5.17

Baptism of Christ

J3

We are the body of Christ.

In the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.

Let us then pursue all that makes for peace

and builds up our common life.

J4

God has made us one in Christ.

He has set his seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come,

has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts.Alleluia.

cf 2 Corinthians 1.22

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

J5

In the tender mercy of our God

the dayspring from on high has broken upon us,

to give light to those who dwell in darkness

and in the shadow of death

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

cf Luke 1.78,79

J6

We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,

a holy nation, God’s own people,

that we may proclaim the mighty acts of him

who called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Gathered as his people we share his peace.

1 Peter 2.9

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

Epiphany to the Eve of the Presentation

K1

Gracious God,

accept the offering of your Church,

the hearts of your people

joined in praise and thanksgiving,

in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Amen.

K2

Lord, accept your people’s gifts,

not gold, frankincense or myrrh,

but hearts and voices raised in praise

of Jesus Christ, our light and our salvation.

Amen.

Baptism of Christ

K3

Open the heavens, Holy Spirit,

for us to see Jesus interceding for us;

may we be willing to share his baptism,

ready to share his cup

and strengthened to serve him for ever.

Amen.

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

K4

Father, in Christ there has sprung up a light for the righteous;

accept the offering of your Church

and grant that Christ may shine in us

to the praise and glory of your name.

Amen.

Prefaces

Epiphany

L1

And now we give you thanks

because, in the incarnation of the Word,

a new light has dawned upon the world,

that all the nations may be brought out of darkness

to see the radiance of your glory.

L2

And now we give you thanks

for, by the leading of a star,

you have revealed your only Son to the world,

that in following him

we are led from darkness into his marvellous light.

L3

And now we give you thanks

because, in the wonder of the incarnation,

your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith

a new and radiant vision of your glory.

In him we see our God made visible

and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.

L4

And now we give you thanks

because, in the mystery of the Word made flesh,

you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts

to give the knowledge of your glory

in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.

L5

And now we give you thanks

because you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation,

and have shown your Son Jesus Christ

to be the light to the nations.

Baptism of Christ

L6

And now we give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

whose willing submission to the way of righteousness

is the pattern of our calling

to be his people and live in his way.

L7

And now we give you thanks

because, by water and the Holy Spirit,

you have made us a holy people

in Jesus Christ our Lord;

you renew that mystery in bread and wine

to show forth your glory in all the world.

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

L8

And now we give you thanks

because, by appearing in the Temple,

he comes near to us in judgement;

the Word made flesh searches the hearts of all your people

and brings to light the brightness of your splendour.

L9

And now we give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who shares your eternal splendour

and was presented in the Temple.

He was revealed by the Spirit as the glory of Israel,

that all peoples might find him,

the light of the world.

L10

And now we give you thanks

because your eternal Word took our nature upon him

in the womb of Mary the Virgin.

The sword of sorrow pierced her heart

when he was lifted high on the cross,

and by his sacrifice made our peace with you.

Extended Prefaces

M1

Epiphany to the Eve of the Presentation

All honour and praise be yours always and everywhere,

mighty creator, ever-living God,

through Jesus Christ your only Son our Lord:

for at this time we celebrate your glory

made present in our midst.

In the coming of the magi

the King of all the world was revealed to the nations.

In the waters of baptism

Jesus was revealed as the Christ,

the Saviour sent to redeem us.

In the water made wine

the new creation was revealed at the wedding feast.

Poverty was turned to riches, sorrow into joy.

Therefore with all the angels of heaven

we lift our voices to proclaim the glory of your name

and sing our joyful hymn of praise:

M2

Baptism of Christ

It is truly right and just,

our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

You celebrated your new gift of baptism

in signs and wonders at the Jordan.

Your voice was heard from heaven

to awaken faith in the presence among us

of your Word made flesh.

Your Spirit was seen as a dove,

revealing Jesus as your servant,

and anointing him with the oil of gladness

to preach the good news to the poor.

Therefore, as we celebrate the union of earth and heaven,

we rejoice to echo the song of the angels in heaven

for ever praising you and saying:

M3

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

It is indeed right and good,

always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise

through Jesus Christ, who is one with you from all eternity.

For on this day he appeared in the Temple

in substance of our flesh

to come near to us in judgement.

He searches the hearts of all your people

and brings to light the image of your splendour.

Your servant Simeon acclaimed him as the light to lighten the nations,

while Anna spoke of him to all who looked for your redemption.

Destined for the falling and rising of many,

he was lifted high upon the cross

and a sword of sorrow pierced his mother’s heart

when by his sacrifice he made our peace with you.

And now we rejoice and glorify your name

that we, too, have seen your salvation

and join with angels and archangels

in their unending hymn of praise:

Blessings

Epiphany to the Eve of the Presentation

P1

Christ the Son of God perfect in you the image of his glory

and gladden your hearts with the good news of his kingdom;

and the blessing …

P2

Christ our Lord,

to whom kings bowed down in worship and offered gifts,

reveal to you his glory

and pour upon you the riches of his grace;

and the blessing …

P3

May God the Father,

who led the wise men by the shining of a star

to find the Christ, the Light from light,

lead you also in your pilgrimage to find the Lord.

Amen.

May God the Son,

who turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana,

transform your lives and make glad your hearts.

Amen.

May God the Holy Spirit,

who came upon the beloved Son

at his baptism in the river Jordan,

pour out his gifts on you

who have come to the waters of new birth.

Amen.

And the blessing …

P4

May God the Father,

who led the wise men by the shining of a star

to find the Christ, the Light from light,

lead you also in your pilgrimage to find the Lord.

Amen.

May God, who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness,

give us a place with the saints in light

in the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Amen.

May the light of the glorious gospel of Christ

shine in your hearts and fill your lives

with his joy and peace.

Amen.

And the blessing …

Baptism of Christ

P5

May God, who in Christ gives us a spring of water

welling up to eternal life,

perfect in you the image of his glory;

and the blessing …

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

P6

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who was wounded for our sins,

that you may bear in your life the love and joy and peace

which are the marks of Jesus in his disciples;

and the blessing …

P7

Christ the Son of God, born of Mary,

fill you with his grace to trust his promises and obey his will;

and the blessing …

Short Passages of Scripture

S1

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Isaiah 60.1

S2

‘From the rising of the sun to its setting

my name is great among the nations,’ says the Lord.

Malachi 1.11

S3

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute;

the kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring gifts.

All kings shall fall down before him;

all nations shall do him service.

Psalm 72.10,11

S4

I will give you as a light to the nations,

that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.

Isaiah 49.6

S5

The Lord will be your everlasting light

and your God will be your glory.

Isaiah 60.19

S6

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Isaiah 12.3

S7

A voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved,

with whom I am well pleased.’

Matthew 3.17

S8

We have beheld his glory,

glory as of the only Son of the Father,

full of grace and truth.

John 1.14

S9

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

for he has come to his people and set them free.

Luke 1.68

Seasonal Material

connected with the Theme of Unity

Invitations to Confession

A1

We have come together as God’s family

to pray for the recovery of the unity of Christ’s Church

and for the renewal of our common life.

The Lord is full of gentleness and compassion.

In penitence and faith let us ask his forgiveness of our sins.

A2

Our Lord Jesus Christ says,

‘A new commandment I give you,

that you love one another as I have loved you.’

Let us confess to almighty God

our failure to accept his love

and to share it with others.

A3

In the presence of the God and Father of us all,

we meet together to give thanks for the spiritual unity

which is already ours as members of the Body of Christ.

Let us acknowledge our sin,

that this unity may, by God’s grace, become a visible unity,

so that his Church in every place may demonstrate

the healing power of the gospel,

and be an instrument of his peace

in the life of the world.

Kyrie Confessions

B1

Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us

to one another and to the Father:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you intercede for us with your Father:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B2

There is one Body and one Spirit,

and one hope of our calling.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

There is one God and Father of us all,

above all and through all and in all.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Confession

C1

Most merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you

and against one another,

in thought, and word, and deed.

We are truly sorry for our pride,

and for our lack of faith, of understanding and of love.

We repent of our narrow-mindedness,

of our bitterness and our prejudices.

Pardon and forgive us,

save us and renew us,

that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Acts of Penitence

D1

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

our only Saviour, the Prince of peace:

give us grace seriously to lay to heart

the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions.

We confess our hatred and prejudice

and all else that hinders us from godly union and concord.

As there is but one body and one Spirit,

and one hope of our calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of us all,

so may we henceforth be all of one heart and soul,

united in one holy bond of truth and peace,

of faith and charity,

and with one mouth give you glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

D2

The president prays over a vessel of water

God our Father,

your gift of water brings life and freshness to the earth;

in baptism it is a sign of the washing away of our sins

and the gift of life eternal.

Sanctify this water, we pray:

renew the living spring of your life within us,

that we may be free from sin

and filled with your saving health;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The president and people are sprinkled.

Meanwhile, suitable hymns, songs or anthems may be sung.

The president concludes

May almighty God cleanse us from sin

and make us worthy of the kingdom of his glory.

Amen.

Collects

F1

Heavenly Father,

you have called us in the Body of your Son Jesus Christ

to continue his work of reconciliation

and reveal you to the world.

Forgive us the sins which tear us apart;

give us the courage to overcome our fears

and to seek that unity which is your gift and your will;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

F2

Lord Jesus Christ,

who said to your apostles,

‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you’:

look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church

and grant it the peace and unity of your kingdom;

where you are alive and reign with the Father

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Gospel Acclamations

G1

Alleluia, alleluia.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in the one body.

Colossians 3.15

Alleluia.

G2

Alleluia, alleluia.

There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Alleluia.

Ephesians 4.4-6

G3

Alleluia, alleluia.

‘May all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you,

may they also be in us,

so that the world may believe that you have sent me,’ says the Lord.

Alleluia.

John 17.21

Intercession

H1

In faith let us pray to God our Father,

his Son Jesus Christ,

and the Holy Spirit.

For the Church of God throughout the world,

let us invoke the Spirit.

Kyrie eleison.

For the leaders of the nations,

that they may establish and defend justice and peace,

let us pray for the wisdom of God.

Kyrie eleison.

For those who suffer oppression or violence,

let us invoke the power of the Deliverer.

Kyrie eleison.

That the churches may discover again their visible unity

in the one baptism which incorporates them in Christ,

let us pray for the love of Christ.

Kyrie eleison.

That the churches may attain communion

in the Eucharist around one table,

let us pray for the strength of Christ.

Kyrie eleison.

That the churches may recognize each other’s ministries

in the service of their one Lord,

let us pray for the peace of Christ.

Kyrie eleison.

Free prayer of the congregation may follow.

Into your hands, O Lord,

we commend all for whom we pray,

trusting in your mercy;

through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introductions to the Peace

J1

If our life in Christ means anything,

if love can persuade at all,

or the Spirit that we have in common,

or any tenderness and sympathy,

then be united in your conviction

and united in your love,

with a common purpose and a common mind.

J2

Christ is our hope;

we give him glory for the great grace

by which upon the cross

he stretched out his hands in love to us all.

By that same grace may he come, our risen Saviour,

into every gesture of unity and fellowship

which we make toward one another,

and make the peace we share his peace.

J3

We are all one in Christ Jesus.

We belong to him through faith,

heirs of the promise of the Spirit of peace.

J4

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles,

‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.’

Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church,

and grant it that peace and unity which is according to your will.

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

K1

As the grain once scattered in the fields

and the grapes once dispersed on the hillside

are now united on this table in bread and wine,

so, Lord, may your whole Church soon be gathered together

from the corners of the earth

into your kingdom.

Amen.

K2

Lord,

hear the prayers of your people

as we celebrate this memorial of our salvation.

May this sacrament of your love

unite us more closely to you and to each other.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

K3

As this bread was scattered

and then gathered and made one;

so may your Church be gathered into your kingdom.

Glory to you, O God, for ever.

Wisdom has built her a house;

she has mixed her wine; she has set her table.

Glory to you, O God, for ever.

K4

God of power and love,

by your Holy Spirit,

draw the scattered flock of Christ into a visible unity

and make your Church a sign of hope to our divided world;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prefaces

L1

And now we give you thanks

because of the unity you have given us in your Son

and that you are the God and Father of us all,

above all and through all and in all.

L2

And now we give you thanks

because you gather your scattered children into your Church

to be as one even as you, Father, are one

with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

You call us to be one people,

to praise your wisdom in all your works,

to be the body of Christ

and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Extended Preface

M1

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,

we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

By him, your only Son,

who restored to us peace through the blood of his cross,

you willed to reconcile all creatures.

In him you have led us to the knowledge of your truth,

that bound together by one faith and one baptism

we might become his body.

Through him you have given your Holy Spirit to all peoples

to work marvels by innumerable gifts

and an abundant variety of graces.

Gathering us together in unity,

your Spirit dwells in the hearts of all your children,

filling the whole Church with his presence

and guiding it with wisdom from above.

And so, with steadfast love,

we proclaim your glory

and join with hosts of angels

in their triumphant hymn of praise:

Post Communions

N1

Eternal God and Father,

whose Son at supper prayed that his disciples might be one,

as he is one with you:

draw us closer to him,

that in common love and obedience to you

we may be united to one another

in the fellowship of the one Spirit,

that the world may believe that he is Lord, to your eternal glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

N2

God our Father,

whose Son at table offered himself

as the innocent Lamb,

and gave us this memorial of his passion

until the end of time;

for ever nourish your people

with his living bread and saving cup,

and strengthen them in holiness,

that the family of mankind may live

in the light of one faith

in one communion of love;

through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Blessing

P1

The Lord Jesus Christ,

Son of the living God,

teach you to walk in his way more trustfully,

to accept his truth more faithfully,

and to share his life more lovingly;

that by the power of the Holy Spirit

you may come as one family to the kingdom of the Father.

And the blessing …

An Alternative Dismissal on the Theme of Unity
Q1 Acclamation -->

Q1

Acclamation

After the post-communion prayers a hymn may be sung and/or the following acclamation may be used

There is one body and one spirit.

There is one hope to which we were called;

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all.

The Dismissal Gospel

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said,] ‘As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.’

John 17.21b-23

(or)

[Jesus said,] ‘I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.And I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.’

John 10.14-16

At the end the reader says

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

The Blessing

May God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

three persons in one God,

inspire you to live as one,

that you may witness to the perfect unity of his love;

and the blessing …

The Dismissal

One in heart and one in mind,

and empowered by the Spirit,

go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.

(or)

One in heart and one in mind,

and empowered by the Spirit,

go in the peace of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

Acclamations

R1

This is the message we have heard from the beginning:

that we should love one another.

Christ is our peace, who has made us one:

he has broken down the barriers which divided us.

R2

There is one body and one spirit.

There is one hope to which we were called;

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all.

R3

We are the body of Christ.

In the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.

Let us then pursue all that makes for peace

and builds up our common life.

Short Passages of Scripture

S1

Above all, clothe yourselves with love,

which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in the one body.

And be thankful.

Colossians 3.14,15

S2

For where two or three are gathered in my name,

I am there among them.

Matthew 18.20

S3

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,

but you are citizens with the saints

and also members of the household of God,

built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,

with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

In him the whole structure is joined together

and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Ephesians 2.19-21

S4

Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body,

for we all partake of the one bread.

1 Corinthians 10.17

S5

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement

grant you to live in harmony with one another,

in accordance with Christ Jesus,

so that together you may with one voice

glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15.5

Seasonal Material

connected with the Theme of Mission

Invitations to Confession

A1

If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ the righteous;

and he is the propitiation for our sins,

and not for ours only,

but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2.1,2

In penitence and faith, let us confess our sins:

A2

I set no store by life: I only want to finish the race

and complete the task which the Lord Jesus assigned to me,

of bearing witness to the gospel of God’s grace.

Acts 20.24

Conscious of our failure to proclaim the gospel,

let us call to mind our sins:

A3

Do not be anxious about your life,

what you shall eat or what you shall drink.

Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness.

Matthew 6.31,33

Let us confess our sins

and our failure to make God’s will our priority:

Kyrie Confessions

B1

‘I was hungry and you gave me no food,

I was thirsty and you gave me no drink.’

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

‘I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,

naked and you did not clothe me.’

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

‘I was sick and you did not visit me,

in prison and you did not come to me.’

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B2

We have not held out the word of life

in a dark and twisted world:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

We have failed to share our bread with the hungry:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

We have closed our hearts to the love of God:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Collects

F1

Almighty God,

who called your Church to witness

that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:

help us to proclaim the good news of your love,

that all who hear it may be drawn to you;

through him who was lifted up on the cross,

and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

F2

Almighty God,

who on the day of Pentecost

sent your Holy Spirit to the disciples

with the wind from heaven and in tongues of flame,

filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel:

send us out in the power of the same Spirit

to witness to your truth and to draw all to the fire of your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Gospel Acclamations

G1

Alleluia, alleluia.

‘Go and make disciples of all the nations,’

says the Lord;

‘I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Matthew 28.19,20

Alleluia.

G2

Alleluia, alleluia.

‘Go into all the world,’

says the Lord,

‘and proclaim the good news to all creation.’

Mark 16.15

Alleluia.

G3

Alleluia, alleluia.

God so loved the world

that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not perish

but have eternal life.

John 3.16

Alleluia.

Intercession

H1

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,

let us pray to the Father.

All or some of these petitions may be used

God of our salvation,

hope of all the ends of the earth,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That the world may know Jesus Christ

as the Prince of Peace,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That all who are estranged and without hope

may be brought near in the blood of Christ,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That the Church may be one in serving

and proclaiming the gospel,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That we may be bold to speak the word of God

while you stretch out your hand to save,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That the Church may be generous in giving,

faithful in serving, bold in proclaiming,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That the Church may welcome and support

all whom God calls to faith,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That all who serve the gospel may be kept in safety

while your word accomplishes its purpose,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That all who suffer for the gospel

may know the comfort and glory of Christ,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

That the day may come when every knee shall bow

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

we pray:

Your kingdom come.

Almighty God,

by your Holy Spirit you have made us one

with your saints in heaven and on earth:

grant that in our earthly pilgrimage

we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer,

and know ourselves surrounded by their witness

to your power and mercy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introductions to the Peace

J1

God has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

First be reconciled to one another.

J2

Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you

for the glory of God.

J3

Christ came and proclaimed the gospel:

peace to those who are far off

and peace to those who are near.

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

K1

Father, look upon the face of Jesus Christ your Son,

who gave up his life to set all people free.

From the rising of the sun to its setting,

may your name be great among the nations,

and in every place a pure sacrifice be offered to your glory.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

cf Malachi 1.11

Amen.

K2

Faithful God, receive all we offer you this day.

May we so live the life of Christ

that your Church may be a sign of salvation

to all the nations of the world.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Amen.

Extended Prefaces

M1

Father, we give you thanks and praise

through Jesus Christ our Lord

because you are God almighty,

creator of the world and all that is in it.

Through him you made the whole human race

and in him you show us the mystery of your purpose.

In him you will bring all things together under him as head,

all things in heaven, all things on earth.

Through him we have heard the word of truth,

the good news of salvation,

and you have marked us with the seal of your promised Spirit.

We who were once far off

have been brought near by the blood of Christ,

for he is the peace between us

and has broken down the barrier of hostility.

He has made of us one new humanity

and reconciled us to you by the cross.

Through him with angels and archangels

and all the company of heaven,

we come before you, Father, by the Holy Spirit,

for ever praising you and saying:

M2

Living God, Father of light,

hope of nations, friend of sinners,

builder of the city that is to come:

your love is made visible in Jesus Christ,

you bring home the lost, restore the sinner

and give dignity to the despised.

In the face of Jesus Christ

your light shines out,

flooding lives with goodness and truth,

gathering into one a divided and broken humanity.

With people from every race and nation,

with the Church of all the ages,

with apostles, evangelists and martyrs,

we join the angels of heaven in their unending song:

Post Communion

N1

Eternal God, giver of love and power,

your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world

to preach the gospel of his kingdom:

confirm us in this mission,

and help us to live the good news we proclaim;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

An Alternative Dismissal on the Theme of Mission
Q1 Acclamation -->

Q1

Acclamation

After the post-communion prayers a hymn may be sung and/or the following acclamation may be used

O Lord, open my lips

and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

When we were still helpless

Christ died for the ungodly.

The proof of God’s amazing love is this:

while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

cf Romans 5.6,8

The Dismissal Gospel

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said,] ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Matthew 28.19,20

(or)

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’

John 20.21,22

At the end the reader says

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

The Blessing

The Father, whose glory fills the heavens,

cleanse you by his holiness

and send you to proclaim his word.

Amen.

The Son, who has ascended to the heights,

pour upon you the riches of his grace.

Amen.

The Holy Spirit, the Comforter,

equip you and strengthen you in your ministry.

Amen.

And the blessing …

The Dismissal

The Lord says, ‘Go into all the world

and make disciples of all the nations.’

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.

(or)

The Lord says, ‘Go into all the world

and make disciples of all the nations.’

Go in the peace of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

Short Passages of Scripture

S1

The grace of God has appeared,

bringing salvation to all.

Titus 2.11

S2

The love of Christ urges us on,

because we are convinced that one has died for all.

2 Corinthians 5.14

S3

We do not proclaim ourselves;

we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord

and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4.5

S4

The Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father,

he will bear witness to me;

and you also are witnesses.

John 15.26,27

S5

Declare his glory among the nations

and his wonders among all peoples.

Psalm 96.3

S6

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;

make known his deeds among the nations;

proclaim that his name is exalted.

Isaiah 12.4

S7

The Lord has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,

to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners;

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.

Isaiah 61.1,2

S8

The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few;

therefore ask the Lord of the harvest

to send out labourers into his harvest.

Matthew 9.37

S9

The promise is for you,

for your children, and for all who are far away,

everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.

Acts 2.39

The Eucharist on the Feast of the Epiphany

Note

This service is appropriate for the Feast of the Epiphany, whether it is celebrated on 6 January or transferred to the Sunday falling between 2 and 8 January.

¶    The Gathering

At the entry of the ministers a hymn may be sung.

The president may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

The Greeting

The president says

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.

All   From the rising of the sun to its setting

your name is proclaimed in all the world.

The Lord of glory be with you.

All   The Lord bless you.

(or)

The Lord be with you

All   and also with you.

Words of welcome or introduction may be said.

Prayers of Penitence

A minister uses this Invitation to Confession or other suitable words

The grace of God has dawned upon the world

through our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who sacrificed himself for us to purify a people as his own.

Let us confess our sins.

Silence is kept.

God be gracious to us and bless us,

and make your face shine upon us:

Lord, have mercy.

All   Lord, have mercy.

May your ways be known on the earth,

your saving power among the nations:

Christ, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

You, Lord, have made known your salvation,

and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Lord, have mercy.

All   Lord, have mercy.

Or another authorized form of confession may be used.

The president uses this or another authorized absolution

Almighty God,

who forgives all who truly repent,

have mercy upon you,

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis

The Gloria in excelsis may be used.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Grateful for the glory revealed today through God made flesh, let us pray.

Silence is kept.

O God,

who by the leading of a star

manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:

mercifully grant that we,

who know you now by faith,

may at last behold your glory face to face;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

Creator of the heavens,

who led the Magi by a star

to worship the Christ-child:

guide and sustain us,

that we may find our journey’s end

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Either one or two readings from Scripture precede the Gospel reading.

At the end of each the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

The psalm or canticle follows the first reading; other hymns and songs may be used between the readings.

Gospel Reading

The Gospel may be read from the crib.

This acclamation may herald the Gospel reading

Alleluia, alleluia.

Christ was revealed in flesh,

proclaimed among the nations

and believed in throughout the world.

cf 1 Timothy 3.16

All   Alleluia.

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

Matthew 2.1–12

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

Acclamations at the Presentation of the Gifts

The traditional gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh may now be offered at the crib. Alternatively, the three figures of the wise men may be placed at the crib.

At the offering of gold

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe:

to you be praise and glory for ever.

As gold in the furnace is tried

and purified seven times in the fire,

so purify our hearts and minds

that we may be a royal priesthood

acceptable in the service of your kingdom.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

At the offering of incense

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe:

to you be praise and glory for ever.

As our prayer rises up before you as incense,

so may we be presented before you

with penitent hearts and uplifted hands

to offer ourselves in your priestly service.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

At the offering of myrrh

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe:

to you be praise and glory for ever.

As you give medicine to heal our sickness

and the leaves of the tree of life

for the healing of the nations,

so anoint us with your healing power

that we may be the first-fruits of your new creation.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

Sermon
Creed

An authorized translation of the Nicene Creed is used.

Prayers of Intercession

Today the wise men knelt before our Saviour.

Let us also kneel to worship him with great joy,

and to make our prayer to his heavenly Father.

Father, the wise men came from the east to worship your Son:

grant to Christians everywhere a true spirit of adoration.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Father, your Son is the King of kings and Lord of lords:

grant an abundance of peace to your world.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Father, the Holy Family shared the life of the people of Nazareth:

protect in your mercy our neighbours and families,

together with the whole community of which we are part.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Father, your Son was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor:

show your love for the poor and powerless,

and strengthen […and all] those who suffer.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Father, the wise men presented to your Son gold, incense and myrrh:

accept the gifts we bring,

and the offering of our hearts at the beginning of this new year.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Father, you are the King of heaven, the hope of all who trust in you:

give to […and all] the faithful departed

the wonders of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of wise men, shepherds and angels,

and of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph,

we commend ourselves and all Christian people

to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father,

All   accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

since as members of one body you are called to peace.

cf Colossians 3.15

(or)

Our Saviour Christ is the Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there shall be no end.

cf Isaiah 9.6,7

The peace of the Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

These words may be added

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn may be sung.

The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

One of these prayers may be said

Gracious God,

accept the offering of your Church,

the hearts of your people

joined in praise and thanksgiving,

in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

All   Amen.

(or)

Lord, accept your people’s gifts,

not gold, frankincense or myrrh,

but hearts and voices raised in praise of Jesus Christ,

our light and our salvation.

All   Amen.

The president takes the bread and wine.

Eucharistic Prayer

The president uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers.

One of the following Proper Prefaces may be used where appropriate

And now we give you thanks

because, in the incarnation of the Word,

a new light has dawned upon the world,

that all the nations may be brought out of darkness

to see the radiance of your glory.

(or)

And now we give you thanks,

for by the leading of a star

you have revealed your only Son to the world,

that in following him

we are led from darkness into his marvellous light.

(or)

All honour and praise be yours always and everywhere,

mighty creator, ever-living God,

through Jesus Christ your only Son our Lord:

for at this time we celebrate your glory

made present in our midst.

In the coming of the Magi

the King of all the world was revealed to the nations.

In the waters of baptism

Jesus was revealed as the Christ,

the Saviour sent to redeem us.

In the water made wine

the new creation was revealed at the wedding feast.

Poverty was turned to riches, sorrow into joy.

Therefore with all the angels of heaven

we lift our voices to proclaim the glory of your name

and sing our joyful hymn of praise:

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Believing the promises of God,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

Believing the promises of God,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break the bread of life,

and that life is the light of the world.

All   God here among us,

light in the midst of us,

bring us to light and life.

The Agnus Dei may be used as the bread is broken.

Giving of Communion

The president says this or another invitation to communion

God’s holy gifts

for God’s holy people.

All   Jesus Christ is holy,

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be used (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 181).

The president and people receive communion.

Authorized words of distribution are used and the communicant replies

Amen.

During the distribution, hymns, carols and anthems may be sung.

The Common Worship provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine, and for disposing of what remains (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 182).

Prayer after Communion

Silence is kept.

This Post Communion or another suitable prayer is said

Lord God,

the bright splendour whom the nations seek:

may we who with the wise men have been drawn by your light

discern the glory of your presence in your Son,

the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

All may say one of the prayers here.

¶    The Dismissal

Acclamation

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.

All   To you be glory and praise for ever.

From the rising of the sun to its setting

your name is proclaimed in all the world.

All   To you be glory and praise for ever.

When the time had fully come

you sent the Sun of Righteousness.

All   In him the fullness of your glory dwells.

To you be glory and praise for ever.

The Dismissal Gospel

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

Simeon took the child Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’

Luke 2.28-32

At the end the reader says

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

The Blessing

The president uses this or another Epiphany Blessing

May God the Father,

who led the wise men by the shining of a star

to find the Christ, the Light from light,

lead you in your pilgrimage to find the Lord.

All   Amen.

May God, who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness,

give us a place with the saints in light

in the kingdom of his beloved Son.

All   Amen.

May the light of the glorious gospel of Christ

shine in your hearts and fill our lives

with his joy and peace.

All   Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

The Dismissal

A minister dismisses the people.

These words may be used

We have seen his glory,

the glory revealed to all the nations.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

All   In the name of Christ. Amen.

(or)

We have seen his glory,

the glory revealed to all the nations.

Go in the peace of Christ.

All   Thanks be to God.

The ministers and people depart.

The Eucharist on

the Festival of the Baptism of Christ

Structure

* indicates elements of the service of Holy Baptism (Common Worship: Christian Initiation, pages 60–77) required if baptism is to be administered during this service.

† indicates alternative position allowed and shown indented in italics.

    The Gathering

The Greeting

    Seasonal Introduction *

        † Presentation of the Candidates*

Gloria in Excelsis

The Collect

    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Gospel Reading

Sermon

    The Liturgy of Baptism

† Presentation of the Candidates *

The Decision *

Signing with the Cross *

Prayer over the Water *

Profession of Faith *

Baptism *

Commission (see Note 15 to Holy Baptism,

    Common Worship: Christian Initiation, page 101) *

    Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism (omitted if baptism has been administered)

Prayer over the Water

Chant or acclamation (optional)

Act of Penitence and Dedication

    The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Peace

Preparation of the Table

Taking of the Bread and Wine

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Giving of Communion

Prayer after Communion

    The Dismissal

Acclamation

The Dismissal Gospel

The Blessing

    Giving of a Lighted Candle (optional) *

The Dismissal

The Eucharist on

the Festival of the Baptism of Christ

Note

The sacrament of Holy Baptism may appropriately be administered at this service. If this is done, the necessary elements of the service of Holy Baptism are incorporated as indicated here and the Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism is omitted.

¶    The Gathering

At the entry of the ministers a hymn may be sung.

The president may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

The Greeting

The president says

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.

All   From the rising of the sun to its setting

your name is proclaimed in all the world.

The Lord of glory be with you.

All   The Lord bless you.

(or)

The Lord be with you

All   and also with you.

Words of welcome or introduction may be said.

The Prayer of Preparation may be said (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 168).

Prayers of Penitence occur later in the service.

Gloria in Excelsis

The Gloria in excelsis may be used.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Let us pray that we may be faithful to our baptism.

Silence is kept.

Eternal Father,

who at the baptism of Jesus

revealed him to be your Son,

anointing him with the Holy Spirit:

grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,

that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

Heavenly Father,

at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son:

may we recognize him as our Lord

and know ourselves to be your beloved children;

through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Either one or two readings from Scripture precede the Gospel reading.

At the end of each the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

The psalm or canticle follows the first reading; other hymns and songs may be used between the readings.

Gospel Reading

Alleluia, alleluia.

This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 3.17

All   Alleluia.

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

¶    The Liturgy of Baptism

The Liturgy of Baptism may follow (see here).

¶    Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism

If Holy Baptism has been administered, this section is omitted.

Water is poured into the font with these words

God in Christ gives us water welling up for eternal life.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

All   Lord, give us this water and we shall thirst no more.

The president stands before the water and says

Praise God who made heaven and earth,

All   who keeps his promise for ever.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All   It is right to give thanks and praise.

Father, we give you thanks and praise

for your gift of water in creation;

for your Spirit, sweeping over the waters,

bringing light and life;

for your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

baptized in the river Jordan.

We bless you for your new creation,

brought to birth by water and the Spirit,

and for your grace bestowed upon us your children,

washing away our sins.

May your holy and life-giving Spirit

move upon these waters.

Restore through them the beauty of your creation,

and bring those who are baptized

to new birth in the family of your Church.

Drown sin in the waters of judgement,

anoint your children with power from on high,

and make them one with Christ

in the freedom of your kingdom.

For all might, majesty, dominion and power are yours,

now and for ever.

All   Alleluia. Amen.

This or other suitable chants or acclamations may be sung

I saw water flowing from the threshold of the temple.

All   Wherever the river flows

everything will spring to life.Alleluia.

On the banks of the river grow trees bearing every kind of fruit.

All   Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail.

Their fruit will serve for food,

their leaves for the healing of the nations.

All   For the river of the water of life

flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

The Prayer over the Water is followed by this act of penitence and dedication

God of truth,

you are faithful to the covenant you have made with us;

look in mercy on your people.

From all our sins, O Lord:

All   wash us, and we shall be clean.

We have broken the pledges of our baptism,

and failed to be your disciples.

From all our sins, O Lord:

All   wash us, and we shall be clean.

Though we are saved by Christ

and dead to sin through the deep waters of death,

we have not witnessed to his grace by our manner of life.

From all our sins, O Lord:

All   wash us, and we shall be clean.

We have shown indifference to those in need

and have been afraid to stand up for justice and truth.

From all our sins, O Lord:

All   wash us, and we shall be clean.

We have been slow to forgive, and have failed to remember

your repeated forgiveness of our sins.

From all our sins, O Lord:

All   wash us, and we shall be clean.

Today we rejoice and give thanks

because your Son humbled himself to be baptized in the Jordan.

Through the waters you have given us the mystery of baptism

for the remission of our sins.

From all our sins, O Lord:

All   wash us, and we shall be clean.

Through water and Spirit

you give us new life as the people of God,

and pour out upon us the gifts of your new covenant.

From all our sins, O Lord:

All   wash us, and we shall be clean.

Almighty God,

in our baptism you have consecrated us

to be temples of your Holy Spirit.

May we, whom you have counted worthy,

nurture your indwelling Spirit with a lively faith,

and worship you with upright lives;

through Jesus Christ.

All   Amen.

The water may be sprinkled over the people, or they may come and sign themselves with the cross in it as the president says

‘Come,’ say the Spirit and the Bride.

‘Come forward, you who are thirsty,

receive the water of life,

the free gift to all who desire it.’

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Peace

God has made us one in Christ.

He has set his seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come,

has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts.Alleluia.

cf 2 Corinthians 1.22

The peace of the Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

These words may be added

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn may be sung.

The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

This prayer may be said

Open the heavens, Lord our God,

and send your transforming Spirit

on us and on these gifts.

May we who are baptized into Christ

be ready to share his cup of suffering

and strengthened to serve him for ever.

All   Amen.

The president takes the bread and wine.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The president uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers.

One of the following Proper Prefaces may be used where appropriate

And now we give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

whose willing submission to the way of righteousness

is the pattern of our calling

to be his people and live in his way.

(or)

It is truly right and just,

our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

You celebrated your new gift of baptism

in signs and wonders at the Jordan.

Your voice was heard from heaven

to awaken faith in the presence among us

of your Word made flesh.

Your Spirit was seen as a dove,

revealing Jesus as your servant,

and anointing him with the oil of gladness

to preach the good news to the poor.

Therefore, as we celebrate the union of earth and heaven,

we rejoice to echo the song of the angels in heaven

for ever praising you and saying:

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Believing the promises of God,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

Believing the promises of God,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break the bread of life,

and that life is the light of the world.

All   God here among us,

light in the midst of us,

bring us to light and life.

The Agnus Dei may be used as the bread is broken.

Giving of Communion

The president says this or another invitation to communion

God’s holy gifts

for God’s holy people.

All   Jesus Christ is holy,

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be used (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 181).

The president and people receive communion.

Authorized words of distribution are used and the communicant replies

Amen.

During the distribution, hymns, carols and anthems may be sung.

The Common Worship provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine, and for disposing of what remains (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 182).

Prayer after Communion

Silence is kept.

This Post Communion or another suitable prayer is said

Lord of all time and eternity,

you opened the heavens and revealed yourself as Father

in the baptism of Jesus your beloved Son:

by the power of your Spirit

complete the heavenly work of our rebirth

through the waters of the new creation;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

All may say one of these prayers

All   Almighty God,

we thank you for feeding us

with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.

Through him we offer you our souls and bodies

to be a living sacrifice.

Send us out

in the power of your Spirit

to live and work

to your praise and glory.

Amen.

(or)

All   Father of all,

we give you thanks and praise,

that when we were still far off

you met us in your Son and brought us home.

Dying and living, he declared your love,

gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory.

May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life;

we who drink his cup bring life to others;

we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world.

Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,

so we and all your children shall be free,

and the whole earth live to praise your name;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

¶    The Dismissal

Acclamation

The Father’s voice bears witness to the Son.

All   God has revealed himself to us.

The Son bows his head beneath the waters of baptism.

All   God has revealed himself to us.

The Spirit as a dove descends from heaven.

All   God has revealed himself to us.

Submitting to John’s baptism, Christ delivers us from bondage.

All   God has revealed himself to us.

The Dismissal Gospel

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

John testified,‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me,“He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’

John 1.32-34

At the end the reader says

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

The Blessing

The president uses this or another blessing

May God the Father,

who led the wise men by the shining of a star

to find the Christ, the Light from Light,

lead you also in your pilgrimage to find the Lord.

All   Amen.

May God the Son,

who turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana,

transform your lives and make glad your hearts.

All   Amen.

May God the Holy Spirit,

who came upon the beloved Son

at his baptism in the river Jordan,

pour out his gifts on you

who have come to the waters of new birth.

All   Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

The Dismissal

A minister dismisses the people.

These words may be used

We have come to Christ, the living water.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

All   In the name of Christ. Amen.

(or)

We have come to Christ, the living water.

Go in the peace of Christ.

All   Thanks be to God.

The ministers and people depart.

A Service for

the Festival of the Baptism of Christ

Structure

    Introduction

    The King of all the World is Revealed to the Magi

    The New Creation is Revealed in the Water made Wine

    The Christ is Revealed in the Waters of Baptism

    The Renewal of the Covenant

    The Prayers

    The Sending Out

Notes

1  When to use the Rite

This service is most appropriately used on the Festival of the Baptism of Christ. It may also be used on the Feast of the Epiphany, or on the evening before the Epiphany, or at any suitable time within the Epiphany season.

2  Procession or Carol Service

With suitable hymns and carols this service forms an Epiphany Procession or Epiphany Carol Service, at the climax of which is the Renewal of the Covenant or of baptismal vows. Places are indicated for hymns and carols, but they may be omitted or inserted in other places.

3  Holy Communion

If it is desired to combine this service with a celebration of Holy Communion, the Lord’s Prayer, the final hymn and the blessing are omitted, and the Liturgy of the Sacrament begins after the Renewal of the Covenant, with the Peace. In this case, ‘The New Creation is Revealed in the Water made Wine’ may be more appropriately used after the Renewal of the Covenant.

4  Movement

Any movement through the church will depend on the position of the crib, the font and the holy table, and on whether or not the service is combined with a celebration of Holy Communion. If the font is not easily accessible, or too close to the crib, a large vessel can be set on a table in the middle of the church for the Prayer over the Water, to be carried from there to the font at the end of the service.

5  Ministries

The president of the rite should normally be a bishop or a priest. The acclamations may appropriately be made by a deacon.

6  Gifts

The gifts presented may be any one or all three of the traditional gifts. The Christmas collections may appropriately be offered at this point. The wine presented may appropriately be the wine for use in celebrations of Holy Communion during the year.

7  Canticles

The canticles from Isaiah, Revelation and Ezekiel, which are set out here as responses, may be said or sung in any suitable form.

8  Intercession

A bidding may precede the Opening Prayer, or appropriate biddings may be introduced before the Gospel Collects. Alternatively, provision is made for intercessory prayer later in the service.

A Service for

the Festival of the Baptism of Christ

¶    Introduction

Three wonders mark this holy day

as the Church is joined to her heavenly Bridegroom.

This day a star leads the wise men to the Christ-child.

All   Alleluia.

This day water is made wine at the wedding feast.

All   Alleluia.

This day Jesus is revealed as the Christ in the waters of baptism.

All   Alleluia. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

A hymn may be sung.

The president greets the people, saying

Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you

All   and also with you.

Words of welcome or introduction may be said, after which the president prays this opening prayer

Grant us, Lord, who behold your glory,

to drink from the waters of the new creation

flowing from the river of life at your baptism.

Give us the wings of the Spirit,

that we may hasten to meet you at your coming,

and praise you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

now and for ever.

All   Amen.

¶    The King of all the World is Revealed to the Magi

This day a star leads the wise men to the Christ-child.

Arise, shine out, for your light has come;

All   the glory of the Lord is rising upon you.

The nations will come to your light,

All   and kings to your dawning brightness.

They shall bring gold and frankincense,

All   and proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Your gates will lie open continually,

All   shut neither by day nor by night.

No more will the sun give you daylight,

All   nor moonlight shine upon you.

But the Lord will be your everlasting light,

All   your God will be your splendour.

cf Isaiah 60

As the gifts are brought, this acclamation is made

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe:

you receive our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

May our prayer be set forth in your sight as incense,

and the lifting up of our hands be an evening sacrifice.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

The procession, with the gifts, moves to the crib as a hymn is sung or music is played. The congregation may follow.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

Matthew 2.1,2,8-11

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

The gifts may be placed before the crib.The president says

Let us pray.

Eternal God,

who by the shining of a star

led the wise men to the worship of your Son:

guide by his light the nations of the earth,

that the whole world may behold your glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

Suitable hymns or carols may be sung at this point.

¶    The New Creation is Revealed in the Water made Wine

This day water is made wine at the wedding feast.

I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,

coming down out of heaven from God,

All   prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice from the throne, saying,

All   ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is among mortals.

He will dwell with them and they shall be his peoples,

All   and God himself will be with them.

Behold, I make all things new:

All   I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

To the thirsty I will give water as a gift

All   from the spring of the water of life.’

cf Revelation 21

As a chalice or a flagon of wine is brought, this acclamation is made

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe:

for the marriage of the Lamb has come.

Make your Church ready,

and clothe her with the righteous deeds of the saints,

to join the praises of your new creation.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

The procession, with the chalice or flagon of wine, moves to the holy table as a hymn is sung or music is played. The congregation may follow.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

John 2.1-11

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

The chalice or flagon of wine may be placed on the holy table.The president says

Let us pray.

Almighty God,

in Christ you make all things new:

transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,

and in the renewal of our lives

make known your heavenly glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

All   Amen.

Suitable hymns and carols may be sung.

¶    The Christ is Revealed in the Waters of Baptism

This day Jesus is revealed as the Christ in the waters of baptism.

I will take you from the nations,

All   and gather you from all the countries.

I will sprinkle clean water upon you,

All   and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness.

A new heart I will give you,

All   and put a new spirit within you.

You shall be my people,

All   and I will be your God.

cf Ezekiel 36

As water is brought, this acclamation is made

Blessed are you,

Lord our God, King of the universe:

you bring waters out of the stony rock.

For with you is the well of life,

and in your light shall we see light.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

The procession, with the water, moves to the font as a hymn is sung or music is played. The congregation may follow.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

Mark 1.1-11 (or 1.4,5,7-11)

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

The president says

Let us pray.

Eternal Father,

who at the baptism of Jesus

revealed him to be your Son,

anointing him with the Holy Spirit:

grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,

that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

After the Collect, the water is poured out with these or other suitable words

God in Christ gives us the water welling up for eternal life.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

All   Lord, give us this water, and we shall thirst no more.

The president stands before the water and says

The Lord be with you

All   and also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

All   We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All   It is right to give thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, it is our duty and our joy,

at all times to give you thanks and praise,

for today the grace of the Holy Spirit

in the form of a dove descended upon the waters.

[Today the sun that never sets has risen

and the world is filled with splendour

by the light of the Lord.

Today the clouds drop down upon all people

the dew of righteousness from on high.

Today the Uncreated of his own will

accepts the laying on of hands from his own creature.

Today the waters of the Jordan

are transformed for healing by the coming of the Lord.

Today the blinding mist of the world is dispersed by the Epiphany of our God.

Today things above keep feast with things below,

and things below commune with things above.]

Therefore, heavenly Father,

accept our sacrifice of praise,

and by the power of your life-giving Spirit

sanctify these waters of your new creation,

that we, with all who have been born anew

by water and the Spirit,

may be renewed in your image,

walk by the light of faith,

and serve you in newness of life.

Through your anointed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit

we lift our voices of praise:

All   blessed be God, our strength and our salvation,

now and for ever.Amen.

(or)

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All   It is right to give thanks and praise.

Father, for your gift of water in creation

All   we give you thanks and praise.

For your Spirit, sweeping over the waters, bringing light and life

All   we give you thanks and praise.

For your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, baptized in the river Jordan

All   we give you thanks and praise.

For your new creation, brought to birth by water and the Spirit

All   we give you thanks and praise.

For your grace bestowed upon us your children, washing away our sins

All   we give you thanks and praise.

So, Father, accept our sacrifice of praise.

By the power of your life-giving Spirit

bless these waters of your new creation.

All   Lord, receive our prayer.

May we your servants who have been washed in them

be made one with your Son, who took the form of a servant.

All   Lord, receive our prayer.

May your Holy Spirit, who has brought us to new birth

in the family of your Church,

raise us in Christ, our anointed Lord,

to full and eternal life.

All   Lord, receive our prayer.

For all might, majesty and dominion are yours, now and for ever.

All   Alleluia.Amen.

The Prayer over the Water may be followed by a suitable chant or acclamation.

The Renewal of the Covenant

The form here is used.

The Prayers

Prayers may be offered here for the ministry and mission of the Church, and for the world which the Church is called to serve.

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Believing the promises of God,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

Believing the promises of God,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

The president says

May God the creator, the rock of our salvation,

who has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit

and forgiven all our sins

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

keep us faithful to our calling, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

The water may be sprinkled over the people, or placed in vessels by the door for them to make the sign of the cross as they leave, or poured out over the threshold.

These words may be used

Remember your baptism into Christ Jesus.

All   Thanks be to God.

A hymn or other chant may be sung.

¶    The Sending Out

The blessing follows in either of these forms

May God, who in Christ gives us a spring of water

welling up to eternal life,

perfect in you the image of his glory;

and the blessing of God almighty

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

(or)

May God the Father,

who led the wise men by the shining of a star

to find the Christ, the Light from light,

lead you also in your pilgrimage to find the Lord.

All   Amen.

May God the Son,

who turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana,

transform your lives and make glad your hearts.

All   Amen.

May God the Holy Spirit,

who came upon the beloved Son

at his baptism in the river Jordan,

pour out his gifts on you

who have come to the waters of new birth.

All   Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

A minister says

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

All   In the name of Christ. Amen.

(or)

Go in the peace of Christ.

All   Thanks be to God.

The Eucharist on the Feast of the

Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)

The procession with lighted candles is the distinctive feature of the Eucharist of Candlemas. This order provides for the procession at the end of the service. However, provision is made here for the procession to take place either at the beginning or immediately before the Gospel.

Structure

    The Gathering

The Greeting

Introduction

Gloria in Excelsis

The Collect

    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Gospel Reading

Sermon

The Creed

Prayers of Intercession

Prayers of Penitence

    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Preparation of the Table

Taking of the Bread and Wine

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Giving of Communion

    Candlemas Procession

Prayer

Nunc dimittis

Final Responsory

The Eucharist on the Feast of the

Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)

¶    The Gathering

At the entry of the ministers a hymn may be sung.

The president may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

The Greeting

The president greets the people

The Lord of glory be with you.

All   The Lord bless you.

(or)

The Lord be with you

All   and also with you.

Introduction

The president introduces the day’s liturgy

Dear friends, forty days ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now we recall the day on which he was presented in the Temple, when he was offered to the Father and shown to his people.As a sign of his coming among us, his mother was purified, as we now come to him for cleansing. In their old age Simeon and Anna recognized him as their Lord, as we today sing of his glory. In this eucharist, we celebrate both the joy of his coming and his searching judgement, looking back to the day of his birth and forward to the coming days of his passion.

Prayers of Penitence occur later in the service.

Gloria in Excelsis

The Gloria in excelsis may be used.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Let us pray that we may know and share the light of Christ.

Silence is kept.

Almighty and ever-living God,

clothed in majesty,

whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,

in substance of our flesh:

grant that we may be presented to you

with pure and clean hearts,

by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

Lord Jesus Christ,

light of the nations and glory of Israel:

make your home among us,

and present us pure and holy

to your heavenly Father,

your God, and our God.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Either one or two readings from Scripture precede the Gospel reading.

At the end of each the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

The psalm or canticle follows the first reading; other hymns and songs may be used between the readings.

Gospel Reading

This acclamation may herald the Gospel reading

Today the Lord is presented in the Temple

in substance of our mortal nature.

All   Alleluia.

Today the Blessed Virgin comes

to be purified in accordance with the law.

All   Alleluia.

Today old Simeon proclaims Christ

as the light of the nations and the glory of Israel.

All   Alleluia. Praise to Christ, the light of the world.

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

Luke 2.22-40

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon
The Creed

An authorized translation of the Nicene Creed is used.

Prayers of Intercession

Biddings may be given before the Prayers of Intercession, which are then said without interpolation.

Let us pray to the Father through Christ who is our light and life.

Father, your Christ is acclaimed as the glory of Israel:

look in mercy on your Church, sharing his light.

Lord, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ in his temple brings judgement on the world:

look in mercy on the nations, who long for his justice.

Lord, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ, who was rich, for our sakes became poor:

look in mercy on the needy, suffering with him.

Lord, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ is the one in whom faithful servants find their peace:

look in mercy on the departed, that they may see your salvation.

Lord, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ is revealed as the one destined to be rejected:

look in mercy on us who now turn towards his passion.

Lord, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

Lord God, you kept faith with Simeon and Anna,

and showed them the infant King.

Give us grace to put all our trust in your promises,

and the patience to wait for their fulfilment;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

Prayers of Penitence

Hear the words of our Saviour Jesus Christ:

‘I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me shall never walk in darkness

but shall have the light of life.’

Let us therefore bring our sins into his light

and confess them in penitence and faith.

cf John 8.12

All   Father eternal, giver of light and grace,

we have sinned against you and against our neighbour,

in what we have thought,

in what we have said and done,

through ignorance, through weakness,

through our own deliberate fault.

We have wounded your love,

and marred your image in us.

We are sorry and ashamed,

and repent of all our sins.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

who died for us,

forgive us all that is past;

and lead us out from darkness

to walk as children of light.

Amen.

Almighty God,

who forgives all who truly repent,

have mercy upon you,

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

In the tender mercy of our God,

the dayspring from on high has broken upon us,

to give light to those who dwell in darkness

and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1.78,79

The peace of the Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

These words may be added

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn may be sung.

The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

This prayer may be said

Father, in Christ there has sprung up a light for the righteous;

accept the gifts we bring before you

and grant that Christ may shine in us

to the praise and glory of your name.

All   Amen.

The president takes the bread and wine.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The president uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers with a Proper Preface of the incarnation or one of the following

And now we give you thanks

because, by appearing in the Temple,

he comes near to us in judgement;

the Word made flesh searches the hearts of all your people

and brings to light the brightness of your splendour.

(or)

And now we give you thanks

because your eternal Word took our nature upon him

in the womb of Mary the Virgin.

The sword of sorrow pierced her heart

when he was lifted high on the cross,

and by his sacrifice made our peace with you.

(or)

It is indeed right and good,

always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise

through Jesus Christ, who is one with you from all eternity.

For on this day he appeared in the Temple

in substance of our flesh

to come near to us in judgement.

He searches the hearts of all your people

and brings to light the image of your splendour.

Your servant Simeon acclaimed him as the light to lighten the nations

while Anna spoke of him to all who looked for your redemption.

Destined for the falling and rising of many,

he was lifted high upon the cross

and a sword of sorrow pierced his mother’s heart

when by his sacrifice he made our peace with you.

And now we rejoice and glorify your name

that we, too, have seen your salvation

and join with angels and archangels

in their unending hymn of praise:

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Believing the promises of God,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

Believing the promises of God,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break the bread of life,

and that life is the light of the world.

All   God here among us,

light in the midst of us,

bring us to light and life.

The Agnus Dei may be used as the bread is broken.

Giving of Communion

The president says this or another invitation to communion

God’s holy gifts

for God’s holy people.

All   Jesus Christ is holy,

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be used (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 181).

The president and people receive communion.

Authorized words of distribution are used and the communicant replies

Amen.

During the distribution hymns and anthems may be sung.

The Common Worship provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine, and for disposing of what remains (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 182).

¶    Candlemas Procession

If the procession is to take place now, a hymn may be sung while the candles are lit.

Prayer

The president says

Lord God, the springing source of everlasting light,

pour into the hearts of your faithful people

the brilliance of your eternal splendour,

that we, who by these kindling flames

light up this temple to your glory,

may have the darkness of our souls dispelled,

and so be counted worthy to stand before you

in that eternal city where you live and reign,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

Nunc dimittis

The ministers and people go in procession to the font, or to the door of the church, or to another suitable place. As they process they sing the Nunc dimittis in one of these forms or in another suitable version

All   A light to lighten the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:  

your word has been fulfilled.

All   A light to lighten the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

My own eyes have seen the salvation  

which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

All   A light to lighten the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

A light to reveal you to the nations  

and the glory of your people Israel.

All   A light to lighten the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Luke 2.29-32

Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now

and shall be for ever.

All   Amen.

All   A light to lighten the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

(or)

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace :

according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen :

thy salvation;

Which thou hast prepared :

before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles :

and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :

and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :

world without end. Amen.

Final Responsory

The president says

Father, here we bring to an end our celebration

of the Saviour’s birth.

All   Help us, in whom he has been born,

to live his life that has no end.

Here we have offered the Church’s sacrifice of praise.

All   Help us, who have received the bread of life,

to be thankful for your gift.

Here we have rejoiced with faithful Simeon and Anna.

All   Help us, who have found the Lord in his temple,

to trust in your eternal promises.

Here we have greeted the light of the world.

All   Help us, who extinguish [bear] these candles,

never to forsake the light of Christ.

Here we stand near the place of baptism.

All   Help us, who are marked with the cross,

to share the Lord’s death and resurrection.

Here we turn from Christ’s birth to his passion.

All   Help us, for whom Lent is near,

to enter deeply into the Easter mystery.

Here we bless one another in your name.

All   Help us, who now go in peace,

to shine with your light in the world.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

The ministers and people depart.

¶    Alternative Candlemas Procession

A hymn is sung while the candles are lit.

The president says

Blessed are you, Lord our God,

King of the universe.

All   [Blessed be God for ever.]

Your light shines on us

and all peoples shall see your glory.

All   [Blessed be God for ever.]

You gave us Jesus to be the light of the world;

he makes our darkness to be light.

All   [Blessed be God for ever.]

Through the Holy Spirit your love burns within us,

bearing witness to your truth.

All   [Blessed be God for ever.]

As we bear your light,

may our lips never cease to sing your praise.

All   [Blessed be God for ever.]

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

The ministers and people go in procession to the font, or to the door of the church, or to another suitable place. A large cross may be placed there. As they process they sing Nunc dimittis or another song or hymn.

Final Responsory

Father, we have sung your praise with shepherds and angels:

may Christ be born in our hearts today.

All   Praise to Christ our light.

We have shared in the joy of Simeon and Anna;

help us, like them, to trust your word.

All   Praise to Christ our light.

We have greeted Jesus, the light of the world;

may we be filled with the light of your love.

All   Praise to Christ our light.

The Conclusion

We stand near the place of new birth.

All   Let us shine with the light of your love.

We turn from the crib to the cross.

All   Let us shine with the light of your love.

We go to carry his light.

All   Let us shine with the light of your love.

Thanks be to God.

The ministers depart.

¶    Candlemas Procession earlier in the Service

If the procession takes place earlier in the service, the congregation assembles in a convenient place. Candles are distributed before the procession, which may take place at the beginning or before the reading of the Gospel.

The president welcomes the people.

May the light and peace of Jesus Christ our Lord be with you.

All   The Lord bless you.

A hymn or chant may be sung at the lighting of the candles, and this acclamation may be made

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All   It is right to give thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.

You make our darkness to be light.

For with you is the well of life

and in your light shall we see light.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

The president blesses the candles, saying

Lord God, the springing source of everlasting light,

pour into the hearts of your faithful people

the brilliance of your eternal splendour,

that we, who by these kindling flames

light up this temple to your glory,

may have the darkness of our souls dispelled,

and so be counted worthy to stand before you

in that eternal city where you live and reign,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

Before the procession these responses may be used

We wait for your loving-kindness, O Lord,

All   in the midst of your temple.

Open to us the gates of righteousness,

All   that we may enter and give thanks to the Lord.

God is the Lord who has shown us light.

All   Let us offer in his dwelling

an oblation with great gladness.

At the procession a hymn or canticle is sung. At the start of the service this may be the Gloria in excelsis. If the procession is made before the Gospel, the hymn ‘Hail to the Lord who comes’ is appropriate. Nunc dimittis is more suitable when the procession is made at the end of the service.

When the procession has taken place earlier in the service, then at the end a hymn may be sung, or the canticle Nunc dimittis in one of the forms here may be used.

The service concludes

Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,

who lived to welcome the Messiah:

may we, who have received these gifts beyond words,

prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes to bring us to eternal life;

for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

All   We thank you, Lord,

that you have fed us in this sacrament,

united us with Christ,

and given us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet

prepared for all peoples.

Amen.

The Blessing

The president uses this or another blessing

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,

fill you with radiance

and scatter the darkness from your path.

All   Amen.

Christ, the Sun of Righteousness,

gladden your eyes and warm your heart.

All   Amen.

Christ, the Dayspring from on high,

draw near to guide your feet into the way of peace.

All   Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

The Dismissal

Go in the light and peace of Christ.

All   Thanks be to God.

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2006 and published by Church House Publishing.

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