The Epiphany of the Lord
Entrance: Angels We Have Heard on High 1. Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains
Refrain: Glo------ria in excelsis Deo! Glo------ria in excelsis Deo!
2. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song.
3. See him in a manger laid Whom the angels praise above; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While we raise our hearts in love.
Text w. Refrain: Trad. French caroll ca. 17th Cent. Eng. tr. by James Chadwick, 1813-1882; and others.
Preparation of the Gifts: We Three Kings 1. We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
Refrain: O - star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright; Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
2. Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain, 3. Glorious now, behold him arise, Gold I bring to crown him again, King and God and Sacrifice; King forever, ceasing never Alleluia, Alleluia Over us all to reign. Sounds through the earth and skies.
Text w. Refrain based on Matt. 2:1 -11. Text & music Carols, Hymns and Songs, 1863; John Hopkins Jr. 1820-1891, alt.
Communion: Gift of Finest Wheat Refrain: You satisfy the hungry heart With gift of finest wheat. Come give to us, O saving Lord, The bread of life to eat.
1. As when the shepherd calls his sheep, 3. Is not the cup we bless and share, They know and heed his voice. The blood of Christ outpoured? So when you call your family, Lord, Do not one cup, one loaf declare We follow and rejoice. Our oneness in the Lord.
2. With joyful lips, we sing to you 4. The myst’ry of your presence, Lord, Our praise and gratitude No mortal tongue can tell; That you should count us worthy, Whom all the world cannot contain Lord Comes in our hearts to dwell. To share this heavenly food.
5. You give yourself to us, O Lord; Then selfless let us be. To serve each other in your name In truth and charity.
Text w. Refrain: Omer Westendorf 1916-1997/ Music: Robert E. Kreutz, 1922-1996. Text & music ©1977, Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Published by International Liturgy Publications. PO Box 50476, Nashville, TN. 37205. www.lipmusic.org. Used with permission.
Sending Forth: Go Tell It On the Mountain
Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev’rywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
1. While shepherds kept their watching 2. The shepherds feared and trembled O’er silent flocks by night, When high above the earth Behold throughout the heavens Rang out the angel chorus There shone a holy light. That hailed our Savior’s birth.
3. Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born. And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn. Text w. Refrain: American Negro SOngs and Spirituals, 1940; John W. Work, Jr. 1872-1925.