Part Four: Feast
Feast Liturgy
INTRODUCTION
Festal Welcome
LEADER
Welcome to the feast of Epiphany! This gathering is a celebration that commemorates the appearing of God’s Son in the world. In Jesus Christ, God’s light penetrated into the dark world, dispelling darkness, overcoming evil, and announcing salvation to fallen creation. This holy day reenacts good news of great joy—darkness turning to light now that Christ has been made known to the world. This community celebration is designed to be interactive—inviting your participation, encouraging your contribution, and summoning you to faithful response. We hope this celebration captures your imagination and stirs you to wonder as you reflect on the coming and revelation of the Son of God. During this feast, we will read Scripture, sing songs, offer prayers, and enjoy conversation to help us remember and recount this glorious truth: the eternal Son of God took on human flesh and manifest himself as the Savior of the world.
EPIPHANY PREAMBLE
After Darkness, Light
LEADER
After the long night of sin and curse, light has come into the world. The Epiphany season is a time to remember the revelation of God’s Son to humanity. Jesus is the Light of the World, God’s eternal Son who took on human flesh, triumphing over darkness, overcoming evil, and conquering sin. This evening, we remember that Jesus was born Savior of the world. Since God’s light has dawned on humanity, this is a time of searching, seeing, beholding, and testifying. After prolonged darkness, divine light has come.
As we gather tonight, we imitate the wise men, who long ago sought for the baby born in Bethlehem. Today, we search for the one and only Christ. We heed these noble travelers as our guides, who journeyed afar by the light of the celestial star. Today, we learn again to see by the light of God’s own Son. During this assembly, we keep step in step with the Magi who bowed in worship, offered gifts of devotion, and adored the incarnate Lord born in the manger. Today, we behold the glory of God made manifest in human flesh. We follow the example of these eastern sojourners who brought news to Herod that the King of the Jews was born. Today, we bear witness to the world that the Savior has come.
Tonight, we gather in hope that in Christ God has “turned night into day, making light seem near in the face of darkness” (Job 17:12).
Community Prayer
ALL
God of all light and life, we give you all praise! We gather to celebrate Jesus—God with Us, the Light of the World. Remind us of his glorious appearing. Fix our minds on his miraculous incarnation. Tune our hearts to adore him as Savior and Lord. Shine forth his light throughout the world. Make his light once again shine on us. Amen.
O Come, O Come, Immanuel
VERSE 1
O come, O come, Immanuel, And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
REFRAIN
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel.
VERSE 2
O come, O Wisdom from on high, Who ordered all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show And teach us in its ways to go.
VERSE 3
O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, Unto your own and rescue them! From depths of hell your people save, And give them victory o’er the grave.
VERSE 4
O come, O Key of David, come And open wide our heavenly home. Make safe for us the heavenward road And bar the way to death’s abode.
VERSE 5
O come, O Bright and Morning Star, And bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows of the night And turn our darkness into light.
SEARCHING FOR THE KING OF KINGS
Astray from God and Groping in Darkness
LEADER
Tonight, we remember that our sin has separated us from God. We have strayed from our Maker. In our sin, we are lost in darkness, straying from righteousness, groping after pleasure, seeking vain idols, and wandering aimlessly in the world.
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear. Isaiah 59:1-3
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Romans 3:10–12
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
The enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me. Psalm 143:3–4
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
The way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:19
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
They encounter darkness by day and grope at noon as in the night. Job 5:14
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light. Lamentations 3:1–2
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
He deprives the earth’s leaders of reason and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. They grope in the darkness without light; He makes them stagger like drunkards. Job 12:24–25
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind, and at noon you will grope about like a blind man in the darkness. You will not prosper in your ways. Day after day you will be oppressed and plundered, with no one to save you. Deuteronomy 28:28–29
ALL
We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:9
LEADER
Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case when our faces are in darkness. Job 37:19
Community Prayer
ALL
Most Holy God. The brightness of your glory shines forth. The beams of your holiness never dull. Before you we are guilty and ashamed. We have become complicit with the darkness. Help us in our wandering. Save us by your light. Come and visit us in your Son. Have mercy on us! Amen.
Wretched, Helpless, and Distrest
VERSE 1
Wretched, helpless, and distrest, Ah! whither shall I fly, Ever gasping after rest, I cannot find it nigh: Naked, sick, and poor, and blind, Fast bound in Sin and Misery, Friend of Sinners, let me find My help, my all in Thee.
VERSE 2
Who my Misery can relate, My depth of Woe reveal? I have lost my first Estate, In helpless Adam fell. Driven out of mine abode, I now have lost my perfect bliss, Fallen, fallen out of God, And banish’d Paradise.
VERSE 3
I am all unclean, unclean, Thy Purity I want; My whole heart is sick of Sin, And my whole Head is faint; Full of putrifying Sores, Of Bruises and of Wounds, my Soul Looks to Jesus, Help implores, And Gasps to be made whole.
VERSE 4
In the Wilderness I stray, My foolish Heart is blind; Noting do I know: The Way Of Peace I cannot find. Jesus, Lord restore my Sight, And take, O take the Vail away; Turn my Darkness into Light, My Midnight into Day.
Seeking God’s Light
LEADER
In our darkness, we seek for God’s light. In our sin, we search for divine mercy. In our groping, we search for redeeming grace. Thanks be to God! We wandered in our lost estate, but our great God has come to us: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Psalm 107:10–12
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
LEADER
Men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. John 3:19–20
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
LEADER
If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:23
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
LEADER
You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence. Psalm 90:8
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
LEADER
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:25
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
LEADER
Blessed are those who know the joyful sound, who walk, O Lord, in the light of Your presence. They rejoice in Your name all day long, and in Your righteousness they exult. Psalm 89:15–16
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
LEADER
May the Lord, who is good, provide atonement for everyone who sets his heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of his fathers. 2 Chronicles 30:18–19
LEADER
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
ALL
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6
LEADER
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5
We Three Kings of Orient Are
VERSE 1
We Three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following yonder Star.
REFRAIN
O Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Star with Royal Beauty bright, Westward leading, Still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect Light.
VERSE 2
Born a King on Bethlehem plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King for ever, Ceasing never Over us all to reign.
VERSE 3
Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh: Prayer and praising All men raising, Worship Him God on High.
VERSE 4
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom;— Sorrowing, sighing, Bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
VERSE 5
Glorious now behold Him arise, King, and God, and Sacrifice; Heav’n sings Hallelujah: Hallelujah the earth replies.
Community Prayer
ALL
Hear our plea for mercy. Attend to our cry for help. Turn our darkness into light. Cast away our gloom. Rescue us from our wandering in sin. Transform the night into a bright and glorious dawn. We cling to the eternal Son of God who made his appearing among the sons of men.
TABLE FELLOWSHIP
Reflection Questions
During the meal, enjoy a time of fellowship and reflection with those around you. Use the following questions to help guide a time of discussion.
- How have you noticed God show up in your life during this past year? What insights have you gained about yourself and God?
- At this time, what are you searching for and seeking? How do you hope to encounter God this upcoming year?
- Who are the people in your life that God wants you to tell about his Son?
SEEING BY THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
What Child Is This?
VERSE 1
What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
REFRAIN
This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary!
VERSE 2
Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.
VERSE 3
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Seeing Light
LEADER
God did not leave us in darkness, sin, or despair. He sent his Son to rescue us. Christ is our life, our refuge, and our light. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, and to the place where You dwell. Psalm 43:3
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
The precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
The Lord is God; He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. Psalm 118:27
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
Even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You. Psalm 139:12
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the Lord, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:8–9
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Psalm 36:7–9
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
Consider me and respond, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death. Psalm 13:3
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
LEADER
For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes. For You, O Lord, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness. Psalm 18:27–28
ALL
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
My God, The Spring of All My Joys
READER
My God, the spring of all my joys, The life of my delights, The glory of my brightest days, And comfort of my nights.
In darkest shades, if he appear, My dawning is begun; He is my soul’s sweet morning star, And he my rising sun.
Community Prayer
ALL
We were blinded by sin, yet you sent your Son to enlighten our dark eyes. We were ruined by wickedness, yet you sent your Son to heal our blindness. We were groping in darkness, yet you sent your Son to rescue us from our wandering. We see all by the light of Christ. He is our light and our salvation! Amen.
ADORING THE INCARNATE LORD
O Come, All Ye Faithful
VERSE 1
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!
REFRAIN
O come, let us adore Him; O come, let us adore Him; O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
VERSE 2
Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest!
VERSE 3
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
Adoring Jesus as the Light of the World
LEADER
God did not leave us in darkness, sin, or despair. He sent his Son to rescue us. It is true that “the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). Hear the biblical testimony of Christ, the Light of the World. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. Psalm 107:13–14
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
We do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5–6
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
The Light has come into the world. John 3:19
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light. John 12:35–36
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
LEADER
And whoever sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. John 12:45–46
ALL
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
Community Prayer
ALL
We adore Christ, the Lord of light and Savior of the lost. There is none like him—awesome in splendor, glorious in majesty, and mighty in battle. Yet the eternal Son of God humbled himself and appeared among men. Thank you for the gift of your Son—the hope of joy returning to a sad and sinful world. Amen.
BEARING WITNESS OF THE SAVIOR
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
VERSE 1
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’ angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
VERSE 2
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’ incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
VERSE 3
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
Making Jesus Known to the World
LEADER
As followers of Christ, we are called to bear witness to the light. God has called us to “proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). We find a helpful and holy example in John the Baptist.
ALL
Like John the Baptist, we have been “sent from God” into the world (John 1:6).
Like John the Baptist, we have come “as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe” (John 1:7).
Like John the Baptist, we are “not the Light,” but we are sent into the world “to testify about the Light” (John 1:8).
Like John the Baptist, we testify that Jesus is “the true Light who gives light to every man” (John 1:9).
LEADER
The church is called to be light in the world. Hear the testimony of God’s word:
I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 49:6
I am sending you to them to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:17–18
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Ephesians 5:8–9
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14– 16
Be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15
You are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. Isaiah 58:8–10
LEADER
As we embrace our calling as light in the world, we look forward to the day when believers from all people will be guided by God’s own light.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:1–3
No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease. Isaiah 60:19–20
Send the Light
READER
There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave: “Send the light! Send the light!” There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save. Send the light! Send the light! Send the light, the blessed gospel light. Let it shine from shore to shore. Send the light, the blessed Gospel light. Let it shine forevermore.
Community Prayer
ALL
God of all nations, we herald Christ as Savior of the world. Help us to boldly speak his name near and abroad. Reach the shorelines with the good news of the gospel. In word and deed, assist us to shine like lights in the world. May the Son we adore become the delight of all the nations. Amen.
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
VERSE 1
Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ was born today. Ox and ass before him bow, And he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
VERSE 2
Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this! He has opened heaven’s door, And we are blest forevermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!
VERSE 3
Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all To gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
CONCLUSION
No More in Darkness Bound
LEADER
The appearing of Christ is our freedom, our rescue, our light, and our joy. We raise our voices high to celebrate the appearing of the Son of God—joy to the world.
Joy to the World
VERSE 1
Joy to the world; the Lord is come; Let Earth receive her King; Let ev’ry heart prepare him room, And heav’n and nature sing.
VERSE 2
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns; Our mortal songs employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy.
VERSE 3
No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found.
VERSE 4
He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of his love.
BENEDICTION
May God Lift Up the Light of His Face Upon You
LEADER
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26
 Brueghel, Pieter. Adoration of the Magi in the Snow. 1600. Oil on panel, 38 × 56 cm. Museo Correr.