Eugene P. Heideman

Let us praise God for the manifestation of the Christ in his mission on earth.Let us praise God for the magi from the East who were sent to Bethlehem to teach us to honor Christ's star and to offer our gifts.We praise you, O God.Let us praise God for the multitudes in Asia and Africa who are today using the resources of their customs and cultures in developing new forms for worshiping Christ.We praise you, O God.Let us praise God for all those who are presenting themselves to be baptized into the name of Christ and for all the parents who are bringing their children to the water of Christ.We praise you, O God.Let us praise God for the manifestation of Christ in our own time when the thirsty are given something to drink and the hungry are fed.We praise you, O God.Let us pray for Christ's continuing epiphany among all who long for his presence.For your manifestationamong all who long for truth and are educated and wise in this world,for those who conduct research and those who teach,for those who study the stars and those who give counsel to kings and rulers,We seek your grace, O wisdom of God.For your epiphany among all who are open to your presence in the water and the wine, and especially among those who have seen your star but not yet heard your name,We seek your grace, O Savior of the nations.For your epiphanyamong all who are suffering for the cause of righteousness,for all who are in prison,for those who are oppressed,and for those who are hungry, thirsty, and homeless,We seek your grace, O Son of God.For your manifestation of your gloryin the course of our daily lives,in our homes, our schools, our work places and our facilities for play and entertainment,Hear Our Prayers, O Lamb of God.Amen. 

A case for the missions emphasis of Epiphany Some churches have Mission Emphasis service(s) in early spring, others in the summer, and still others in the fall. Is one time more "correct" than another? Probably not. The church always needs to be attentive to its mission character.