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JAN. 18 | 4 PM Epiphany Lessons & Carols Worship Bulletin

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SAINT MICHAEL and All Angels Episcopal Church

The Second Sunday After The Epiphany January 18, 2026

4 PM EPIPHANY LESSONS AND CAROLS CHURCH


Epiphany

LESSONS AND CAROLS

The celebration of Epiphany is traditionally associated with the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ to all nations and all peoples without exception. This theme is exemplified in the story of the wise men from the East who follow a star that leads them to Jesus, whom they recognize as King of the Jews. The light of the star serves as an image of the light of Christ, shed abroad in the darkness of the world and now illuminating all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. But Epiphany is also about something else: it’s about the response people have when they see the light of Christ. Here again, the wise men exemplify the appropriate action: they respond with faith. They undertake a long and arduous journey so they can offer the gifts they bring to the one they recognize has some claim on them and their lives. We see this same response repeated in the Gospel lessons appointed throughout the season: John the Baptist sees Jesus and hails him as “the Lamb of God,” the first disciples hear the call of Jesus and leave everything to follow him, the crowds listening to Jesus eagerly hear him proclaim the coming of the kingdom. Recognizing the Light always sends out those who have seen it to those who need it most. In the book of Psalms, we find the following passage, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge under the shadow of your wings…For with you is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light” (Psalm 36:7–9). The light of God’s love is here portrayed as that which illumines all things, the reality that makes sight possible. It is thus not surprising that the gospel writers would use light as an image for describing the love that is given to us by God in Jesus: what “has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people” (John 1:3–4). The music in today’s service, drawing as it does from a range of musical traditions, reflects the variety of ways people respond to the revelation of the light of Christ. Together with the range of voices we hear in the lessons appointed for this service, the music invites us to reflect on both the unity and the diversity of God’s people. This service invites us to reflect on the way the Light of Christ both draws us in and sends us out. The Gospel draws us in, towards a place where encounter and reconciliation can occur. The Gospel also sends us out to all those places where the Gospel message has not yet been received. The service thus serves as an extended meditation on the glory of the light given to us in Christ, as well as an invitation to respond in faith and not only follow his light but offer that light to others by bearing witness to him in our words and our actions. May you be blessed in your worship today, and may your life shine with the brightness of the light of Christ. We give thanks that the Light of Christ has shined in our world and in our hearts, and the Light will never be overcome by the darkness.

The Reverend David M. Faulkner Associate for Woship and Liturgy


Epipphany Lessons and Carols Prelude “We Three Kings”

Contemporary Band Jazz Arrangement

Welcome (seated)

The Reverend Robin Hinkle

Entering Procession (standing, sung by all)

Hymn 124

“What star is this, with beams so bright” Puer nobis Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir) Hail, gladdening light

John Stainer

Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured Who is the immortal Father, heav’nly blest, Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest, The lights of evening round us shine, We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine. Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung with undefiled tongue, Son of our God, giver of life, alone: Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own. - John Keble (1792-1866) Opening Sentences (standing) Celebrant Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. People Thanks be to God. Bidding Prayer (standing) Offciant Dear People of God: In this season of Epiphany, let it be our duty and delight to hear once more those stories that testify to revelation of the light of the Word made flesh to all peoples and nations.

Handheld candles will be lit during the Entering Procession.

Inspired by the jazz classic, “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck, this piece is in 5/4 time. The listener may observe that this time signature feels like it is constantly moving forward, as if being pulled or drawn towards something. This was deliberately chosen as it represents the Magi being drawn towards the “perfect light” of the star; westward leading, still proceeding. “Hail, Gladdening Light,” composed by Sir John Stainer in 1872, is a serene choral setting of the ancient Christian hymn “Phos Hilaron.” Traditionally sung during evening prayers, the hymn celebrates Christ’s light as a symbol of hope and peace. Stainer, a renowned English composer and organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral, infused the piece with rich harmonies and a flowing melody that reflect the text’s spiritual depth. Beloved for its beauty and accessibility, it remains a staple in church and concert repertoires. 3


Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the proclamation of those prophets who spoke of the renewal of God’s people and of all creation, and whose words helped bring hope and reconciliation to the world. Let us hear the story of the adoration of the magi from the East, who offered their gifts to the One they recognized as the king of the Jews and give to us an example of how we might likewise offer the gifts of our lives to our king and Lord. Let us hear the stories of how the light of Christ was revealed to those who had waited with faithfulness and patience for the coming of the kingdom of heaven. And having heard these stories, let us make this place glad with our prayers and songs of praise. But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world, for peace and justice on earth, for the unity and mission of the Church, and for the witness of the Church in this city, in our country, and in the world. And because our Lord Christ particularly loves them, let us remember in his name the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and unloved, the aged and little children, as well as all those who have not yet seen the light of Christ. Finally, let us remember before God that whole multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Jesus, we are one for evermore. And now, to gather up all these petitions, let us pray in the words which Christ himself has taught us, saying:

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All Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,


as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Carol (sung by the Saint Michael Cherub Choir) This Little Light of Mine

Henry Dixon Loes

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Don’t let anyone blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!” — African-American Spiritual The First Lesson (seated)

Isaiah 42:1-9

Eleanor Greene

The servant of the Lord is a light to the nations. Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry out or lift up his voice or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD; that is my

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name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them. “Brightest and Best,” a choral arrangement by Shawn Kirchner composed in 2007, reimagines a 19thcentury American shape-note hymn with text by Reginald Heber. Drawing from Southern Harmony (1835)—a seminal shape-note hymnal known for its distinctive harmonies and accessible notation—Kirchner blends traditional folk influences with modern harmonies. His arrangement captures the hymn’s reverence and beauty, honoring its rich heritage while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary sound.

Carol (seated, with the Saint Michael Choir & Contemporary Band) Brightest and Best

Shawn Kirchner

Hail the bless’d morn, see the great Mediator Down from the regions of glory descend! Shepherds go worship the babe in the manger, Lo, for his guard the bright angels attend. Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star in the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining, Low lies his bed with the beasts of the stall. Angels adore him in slumber reclining, Maker and Savior of all. Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star in the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion, Odours of Edom and off ’rings divine. Gems of the mountains and pearls of the ocean, Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine? Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star in the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. - Reginald Heber, 1811

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The Second Lesson (seated)

Isaiah 60:1-6

Jude Meredith

The nations flock to the light of the glory of the Lord. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth and thick darkness the peoples, but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together; they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried in their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you; the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

And violence will be no more; no need for the sun or moonlight. The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

In Isaiah 60, the prophet delivers both good news and a wakeup call to God’s people. Often called the Third Song of Isaiah, it begins with the assurance that while “darkness covers the land and deep gloom enshrouds the peoples,” God’s light has come, drawing nations to it. The call is clear: arise, shine! Composed by Justin Brooks, Director of Contemporary Music, this piece has been reimagined with new choir arrangements and instrumental voicings for a special collaboration between the Traditional and Contemporary music departments.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Music by Justin Brooks © 2014 Elgie Street Music (ASCAP)

Carol (seated, with the Saint Michael Choir & Contemporary Band) Surge, illuminare

Justin Brooks

Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. For behold, darkness covers the land and deep gloom enshrouds the peoples. But over you the Lord will rise, and his glory will appear upon you. Nations will stream to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawning. Your gates will always be open; by day or night they’ll never be shut. They will call you, The City of the Lord, Israel.

- Isaiah 60

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Andrew Clendenen

The Third Lesson (seated)

Isaiah 62:1-5

Israel will be vindicated. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a beautiful crown in the hand of the LORD and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her and your land Married, for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Hymn (standing, sung by all)

Hymn 92

“On this day earth shall ring” Personet hodie Nicholetta Lahodny

The Fourth Lesson (seated)

Matthew 2:1-12

Wise men from the East seek out the king of the Jews. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel’.” Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time 8


when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Hymn (standing, sung by all)

Hymn 128, v. 1-3, 5

“We three kings of Orient” Three Kings of Orient The Fifth Lesson (seated)

Luke 2:21-32

Jesus is presented in the temple. When the eighth day came, it was time to circumcise the child, and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,

Sheridan Campbell Samade

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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.” Carol (seated, sung by the Contemporary Band) Nunc dimittis 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. Adaptation and Music by Justin Brooks © 2023 Elgie Street Music (ASCAP)

Harold Hattemer

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: * as it was in the beginning, and is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Sixth Lesson (seated)

John 2:1-11

Jesus transforms water to wine at a wedding in Cana. On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the person in charge of the banquet.” So they took it. When the person in charge tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), that person called the bridegroom 10


and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. Offertory Carol (seated, sung by the Contemporary Band & Choir) Rejoice all you who have seen God’s light!

Nelson Koscheski

Rejoice, all you who have seen God’s light. No dreadful cloud shall defeat your sight, For Christ has shown Himself to you In cleanest line and brightest hue. Yes, Christ has shown himself to you. In darkest gloom of Adam’s fall, When sin had stolen sight from all, There was no flash of radiance, No sign of God’s good providence. But one day in a conquered land Beneath King Herod’s heavy hand The unborn Light took fleshly clothes, and barren Isr’el bore a rose. Rejoice, all you who have seen God’s light. No dreadful cloud shall defeat your sight, For Christ has shown Himself to you In cleanest line and brightest hue. Yes, Christ has shown himself to you. So there came forth from David’s town A brighter claimant for his crown’ There was no longer need for throne, For brilliant light replaced the stone! And so in heaven’s courts today The Babe who in a manger lay

Retired Anglican priest and poet Nelson Koscheski (1941–2019) made a daily habit of versifying his prayers into poetry. Frequently collaborating with folk musician and church music director, Ryan Flanigan, these poems gained new life in the form of songs for the Liturgical Folk music collective. One such poem, “Rejoice, All You!” celebrates the Epiphany theme of the light of God given to all humankind. This selection contains a celebratory and uplifting refrain that we encourage the congregation to join us in singing.

Carol continues on the next page.

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Written by Nelson Koscheski (BMI), Ryan Flanigan (BMI), Caroline Cobb Smith (ASCAP); © 2019 Common Hymnal Digital (BMI), Ryan Flanigan Music (BMI), Common Hymnal Publishing (ASCAP), Sing the Story Music (ASCAP) (admin by CapitolCMGPublishing.com).

In all His Risen Glory shows The Light from which all true light flows. Rejoice, all you who have seen God’s light. No dreadful cloud shall defeat your sight, For Christ has shown Himself to you In cleanest line and brightest hue. Yes, Christ has shown himself to you. Collect for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany (standing) Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Epiphany Blessing (standing) May Almighty God, 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 sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only-begotten at his baptism in the Jordan River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come through the waters of new birth. Amen. May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. The Dismissal (standing) Officiant Let us go forth in the Name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.

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Concluding Hymn (standing, sung by all)

Refrain of Hymn 128

“We three kings of Orient” Three Kings of Orient Please remain in your pew until the altar party has retired. Please place the handheld candles in the baskets provided.

Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE # M - 402151. 13


Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225 | 214.363.5471 saintmichael.org | @smaadallas


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