2026-01-04 Courageous Defiance

Matthew 2:1–15

Leader: Beloved of God, Epiphany is the season of revealing— the holy momentwhen what is hidden becomes known. We light these candles to proclaim the truthwe know— to make visible the God’s Presence already among us. Four travelerscome forward: three stargazers and a shepherd. Each carries a taper to light fromthe Christ Candle— each bears a gift that God desires of us: Justice, Joy,Compassion, and Peace.Justice Stargazer: I bring gold, the finest of what I have, the gift God asks of us: to dojustice. (Lights and places a candle on the table)Many: Look! God’s dwelling is now among us. The end of God’s justice is joy.Joy Stargazer: I bring frankincense, the fragrance of prayer and praise, the gift Godasks of us: to delight in what is good. (Lights and places a candle on the table)Many: Look! God’s dwelling is now among us. The end of God’s justice is joy.Compassion Stargazer: I bring myrrh, balm for the broken and mercy for the world,the gift God asks of us: to love compassion. (Lights and places a candle on thetable)Many: Look! God’s dwelling is now among us. The end of God’s justice is joy.Peace Shepherd: I bring light for the journey and bread for the road, the gift Godasks of us: to walk humbly and live in peace. (Lights and places a candle on thetable)Many: Look! God’s dwelling is now among us. The end of God’s justice is joy.Leader: The gifts are given, the desires of God made visible— Justice, Joy,Compassion, and Peace now shine among us. People of God—lift your eyes up, liftyour hearts up. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord!