In this message, we reflect on the beautiful truth that the story of Christmas was never meant to be a private event. Drawing from Matthew 2:1-2, we follow the journey of the Magi—travelers from the distant East who were guided by a miraculous light to the feet of the baby Jesus. Their arrival serves as a powerful reminder that the Gospel is a global invitation, reaching across cultures and borders to reveal the Savior to all of humanity. This "Epiphany" marks the moment Jesus was made known to the world, proving that God’s light shines for everyone who is willing to seek Him.
The Magi didn't come empty-handed; they brought symbolic gifts that recognized Jesus’ divine roles as Prophet, Priest, and King. Just as the star led these wise men to worship, we are called to be led by that same light into a life of devotion. Our response to Christ mirrors theirs: we come to the manger to worship and adore Him, and then we "go" into the world to share the news of what we have found. Join us as we explore how the light of Christ continues to guide us today.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: William Ellington
Order of service:
Readings:
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 119:97–104
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 60:1–6
- Epistle reading is from Ephesians 3:1–12
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 2:1–12
Songs and Hymns:
- Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
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Text: Christopher Wordsworth, 1807–85, alt.
Tune: George J. Elvey, 1816–93
Text and tune: Public domain - The Star Proclaims the King Is Here
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Text: Coelius Sedulius, 5th cent.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–66, alt.
Tune: Geistliche Lieder auffs new gebessert, 1535, Wittenberg, ed. Joseph Klug
Public domain - Brightest and Best
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Words and Music: Reginald Heber, public domain
Arrangement: Keith Getty, Ben Shive, Fionan de Barra
Choir Arrangement: Samuel Wilson
© 2021 Getty Music Publishing; © 2021 Fionán de Barra
© 2021 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; © 2021 Junkbox Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Joy Has Dawned
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Text: Stuart Townend; Keith Getty
Tune: Keith Getty
Text and tune: © 2004 Thank You Music Ltd.
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - As with Gladness Men of Old
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Text: William C. Dix
Tune: Conrad Kocher
Public domain - Come Unto Jesus
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Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story, Matthew Merker
© 2023 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music
© 2023 Laura’s Stories and Songs; Matthew Merker Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - We Three Kings
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John Henry Hopkins Jr.
Public Domain
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
Recording:
- Audio:
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- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Jan 4:
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- Worship Service (Pastor Bill Engfehr): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Congregational Meeting: 10:45 AM
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We will have a congregational voter’s meeting Sunday, January 4th at 10:45 AM.
- No Sunday School
- No Adult Bible Study
- Wednesday, Jan 7:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- No Jr & Sr High Youth Group
- Thursday, Jan 8:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Jan 10:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Sunday, Jan 11:
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- Discovering Christianity Class – New Class Starting January 11: 10:45 AM
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Interested in joining St. James Lutheran Church or learning more about Christianity?
When: Every Sunday, beginning January 11, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Where: St James Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 146 N Main St, Glen Carbon IL.
- Tuesday, Jan 13:
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- No Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
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This Study is paused for January and February and will resume in March.
- What is Paradise? (Ep134)
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The Bible uses different words for life after death, and the overlap between them can be confusing. What is paradise? What is heaven? What is the new creation? Chuck and Aaron talk about these different words and what it means for our life after death.
- Mosaic Baby Bottle Campaign
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This campaign will last from January 11 until February 15.
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