God of our days and years, we set this time apart for you.

Form us in the likeness of Christ so that our lives may glorify you. Amen.

‘May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service. (Psalm 72:11)

Hymn: As with gladness men of old...

Isaiah 60:1-6

Let us confess our sins:

Lord of grace and truth, we confess our unworthiness to stand in your presence as your children. The Virgin Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus.

Forgive our disobedience to your will. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

Your Son our Saviour was born in poverty in a manger.

Forgive our greed and rejection of your ways. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

The shepherds left their flocks to go to Bethlehem.

Forgive our self-interest and lack of vision. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

The wise men followed the star to find Jesus the King.

Forgive our reluctance to seek you. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

May Almighty God, who sent his Son into the world to save sinners, bring us his pardon and peace, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer for the day: 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. Amen.

Matthew 2: 1-12

Please see the Message from the Minister.

Let us join in prayer, asking for the light of the Lord to be known to everyone:

We pray for the Church throughout the world, that this season will bring joy to all;

We pray for our planet, that the Earth and all of its creatures will thrive, in peace;

We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - may we all share the love of Christ;

We pray for people who are sick or suffering, that they will know God’s healing presence;

We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught Peter and all of us: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Hymn: We three Kings of Orient are...

May the Peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.