The Collect
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament
Isaiah 60:1-6,9

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 on 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.
For the coastlands shall wait for me,
    the ships of Tarshish first,
to bring your children from far away,
    their silver and gold with them,
for the name of the LORD your God,
    and for the Holy One of Israel,
    because he has glorified you.

The Psalm

Psalm 72 or Psalm 72:1-2,10-17    
Deus, judicium

1

Give the King your justice, O God, *
     and your righteousness to the King's son;

2

That he may rule your people righteously *
     and the poor with justice.

3

That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
     and the little hills bring righteousness.

4

He shall defend the needy among the people; *
     he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

5

He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
     from one generation to another.

6

He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
     like showers that water the earth.

7

In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
     there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

8

He shall rule from sea to sea, *
     and from the River to the ends of the earth.

9

His foes shall bow down before him, *
     and his enemies lick the dust.

10

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
     and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

11

All kings shall bow down before him, *
     and all the nations do him service.

12

For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *
     and the oppressed who has no helper.

13

He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *
     he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

14

He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
     and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

15

Long may he live!
and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; *
     may prayer be made for him always,
     and may they bless him all the day long.

16

May there be abundance of grain on the earth,
growing thick even on the hilltops; *
     may its fruit flourish like Lebanon,
     and its grain like grass upon the earth.

17

May his Name remain for ever
and be established as long as the sun endures; *
     may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.

18

Blessed be the Lord GOD, the God of Israel, *
     who alone does wondrous deeds!

19

And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *
     and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.

The Epistle
Ephesians 3:1-12

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

The Gospel
Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, 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 wise men and learned from them the exact time 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 at its rising, 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.

1

Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, *
     ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

2

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; *
     worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

3

The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
     the LORD is upon the mighty waters.

4

The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; *
     the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor.

5

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; *
     the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon;

6

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
     and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.

7

The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire;
the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; *
     the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

8

The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe *
     and strips the forests bare.

9

And in the temple of the LORD *
     all are crying, "Glory!"

10

The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; *
     the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore.

11

The LORD shall give strength to his people; *
     the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace.

1

Sing to the LORD a new song, *
     for he has done marvelous things.

2

With his right hand and his holy arm *
     has he won for himself the victory.

3

The LORD has made known his victory; *
     his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

4

He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *
     and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

5

Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; *
     lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6

Sing to the LORD with the harp, *
     with the harp and the voice of song.

7

With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
     shout with joy before the King, the LORD.

8

Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
     the lands and those who dwell therein.

9

Let the rivers clap their hands, *
     and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
     when he comes to judge the earth.

10

In righteousness shall he judge the world *
     and the peoples with equity.

For I know their works and their thoughts, and I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory, and I will set a sign among them. From them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Put, and Lud—which draw the bow—to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations. They shall bring all your kindred from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and on mules, and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring a grain-offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. And I will also take some of them as priests and as Levites, says the Lord.

For as the new heavens and the new earth,
   which I will make,
shall remain before me, says the Lord,
   so shall your descendants and your name remain.
From new moon to new moon,
   and from sabbath to sabbath,
all flesh shall come to worship before me,
says the Lord.


Second Reading
Romans 15:7-13

 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
   and sing praises to your name’;
and again he says,
‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’;
and again,
‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
   and let all the peoples praise him’;
and again Isaiah says,
‘The root of Jesse shall come,
   the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.’
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1

God is our refuge and strength, *
     a very present help in trouble.

2

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
     and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;

3

Though its waters rage and foam, *
     and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.

4

The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

5

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
     the holy habitation of the Most High.

6

God is in the midst of her;
     she shall not be overthrown; *
     God shall help her at the break of day.

7

The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
     God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.

8

The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

9

Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, *
     what awesome things he has done on earth.

10

It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
     he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
     and burns the shields with fire.

11

"Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
     I will be exalted among the nations;
     I will be exalted in the earth."

12

The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

1

The LORD is King;
let the earth rejoice; *
     let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2

Clouds and darkness are round about him, *
     righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.

3

A fire goes before him *
     and burns up his enemies on every side.

4

His lightnings light up the world; *
     the earth sees it and is afraid.

5

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, *
     at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6

The heavens declare his righteousness, *
     and all the peoples see his glory.

7

Confounded be all who worship carved images
and delight in false gods! *
     Bow down before him, all you gods.

8

Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
     because of your judgments, O LORD.

9

For you are the LORD,
most high over all the earth; *
     you are exalted far above all gods.

10

The LORD loves those who hate evil; *
     he preserves the lives of his saints
     and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11

Light has sprung up for the righteous, *
     and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.

12

Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, *
     and give thanks to his holy Name.

How beautiful upon the mountains
   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
   who announces salvation,
   who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
   together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
   the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
   you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
   he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
   before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
   the salvation of our God.


Second Reading
Revelation 21:22-27

I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honour of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practises abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

1

Sing to the LORD a new song; *
     sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.

2

Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; *
     proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3

Declare his glory among the nations *
     and his wonders among all peoples.

4

For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; *
     he is more to be feared than all gods.

5

As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
     but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

6

Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
     Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7

Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; *
     ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

8

Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; *
     bring offerings and come into his courts.

9

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; *
     let the whole earth tremble before him.

10

Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! *
     he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
     he will judge the peoples with equity."

11

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
     let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12

Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the LORD when he comes, *
     when he comes to judge the earth.

13

He will judge the world with righteousness *
     and the peoples with his truth.

1

Be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; *
     serve the LORD with gladness
     and come before his presence with a song.

2

Know this: The LORD himself is God; *
     he himself has made us, and we are his;
     we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

3

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
     give thanks to him and call upon his Name.

4

For the LORD is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
     and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Listen to me, O coastlands,
   pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
   while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
   in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
   in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
   Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’
But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain,
   I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
   and my reward with my God.’

And now the Lord says,
   who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
   and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord,
   and my God has become my strength—
he says,
‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
   to raise up the tribes of Jacob
   and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
   that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’

Thus says the Lord,
   the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
   the slave of rulers,
‘Kings shall see and stand up,
   princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
   the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’


Second Reading
Matt 12:14-21

But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.

 When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
‘Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,
   my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
   and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not wrangle or cry aloud,
   nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break a bruised reed
   or quench a smouldering wick
until he brings justice to victory.
   And in his name the Gentiles will hope.’