We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy Perfect Light

Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia, Earth to heav’n replies

(John Henry Hopkins Jr 1857)

Matthew 2: 10-12
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

Gracious God, as we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and remember the precious gifts brought by the Magi; gold, frankincense and myrrh, gifts fit for a King, we reflect upon the majesty of Jesus, our Saviour King. Through the gift of Your son Jesus Christ, through His living, His teaching, His words and His acts of love, you have assured us of a world where peace and hope may become a present reality for all people, where love can bring light into our lives. And so, as we put away our Christmas lights on this most difficult of Januarys, help us to remember that the light of Your Son, Jesus, continues to shine, and that His light and the gift of His love cannot be extinguished. On this 12th night of Christmas, as we gaze upon the star that shone over the place where Jesus was born, may we feel the assurance of Your presence with us this day. May we feel the assurance of Your light shining brightly to guide us and to shine light into the dark places of our world. Lord God, this Epiphany may you reveal to us Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.