Liturgy for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Introduction
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany marks a turning point in the season. The light revealed at Epiphany now begins to spread through word, action, and call. Jesus steps into public ministry, proclaiming the nearness of God’s kingdom and inviting ordinary people to follow. Epiphany moves from revelation to response, from seeing the light to walking in it.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany and is shaped by themes of light breaking into darkness, repentance, unity, and the call to discipleship.
The Lectionary Readings at a Glance
The readings for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany proclaim God’s light breaking into places long marked by darkness and division.
In Isaiah 9:1–4, the prophet announces hope for a people who have walked in deep darkness. Light dawns not through escape, but through God’s decisive action that breaks oppression and brings joy where despair once ruled.
Psalm 27:1, 4–9 voices trust in the Lord as light and salvation. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, the psalmist seeks God’s presence, confident that divine faithfulness is stronger than any threat.
In 1 Corinthians 1:10–18, Paul confronts divisions within the church, calling the community back to unity grounded not in personalities or power, but in the cross of Christ. The wisdom of God is revealed where the world least expects it.
Matthew 4:12–23 records the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He proclaims repentance, announces the kingdom of heaven, and calls his first disciples. Light now takes flesh in movement, mission, and invitation: “Follow me.”
Together, these readings reveal Epiphany’s ongoing work—God’s light shining, calling, and reshaping lives.
Call to Worship
One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
All: The light shines in Galilee and in our midst.
One: The Lord is our light and our salvation.
All: Whom shall we fear?
One: Jesus calls, “Follow me.”
All: We come to walk in the light of Christ.
One: Come, let us worship the God who calls us out of darkness.
All: Let us follow Christ, the light of the world.
Opening Prayer
Light-giving God,
You shine into places we thought were beyond hope. As we gather in worship, turn us toward your light. Open our hearts to repentance, our lives to your call, and our community to your renewing work. Shape us by the light revealed in Jesus Christ, that we may walk faithfully in his way. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy,
You call us into the light, yet we confess that we often cling to familiar darkness. We allow division to take root, resist the cost of discipleship, and hesitate when you invite us to follow. Forgive us, O God. Break the chains that bind us and turn us again toward your truth and grace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, reconciled, and called anew.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for Illumination
Holy God,
By your Spirit, open our eyes to see your light and our ears to hear your call. As Scripture is read and proclaimed, draw us deeper into the life of Christ, that we may follow with trust and joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of light and calling,
We thank you for revealing your kingdom in Jesus Christ. We pray for your church, that it may walk in unity and faithfulness. We pray for communities burdened by violence, poverty, and fear, that your light may bring justice and healing. We pray for all who are discerning their path, that they may hear your call and find courage to follow. Send us out as bearers of your light, ready to serve in Christ’s name. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Eternal God,
You have called us from darkness into light and from waiting into witness. As we leave this place, give us courage to follow Christ wherever he leads. May our lives reflect the light we have seen, for the sake of the world you love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
