We begin this new year in the name of the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Jesus Christ is the Light of the world

the light no darkness can overcome.

Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,

and the day is almost over.

Let your light scatter the darkness

and illumine Your Church.

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Joyous light of glory:

Of the immortal Father; heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. We have come to the setting of the sun, and we look to the evening light. We sing to God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit: You are worthy of being praised with pure voices forever. O Son of God, O Giver of life: the universe proclaims Your glory!

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Blessed are You, O Lord our God, king of the universe, who led Your people Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Enlighten our darkness by the light of Your Christ; may His Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; for You are merciful, and You love Your whole creation. We, Your creatures, glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

‍We sing: Arise and shine in splendor. (LSB 396)

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Let us pray:

Our God and King and Sacrifice, recognized in the gifts of the magi: Incense, Gold and Embalming spice, let the incense of our prayers rise to you, and let your loving-kindness descend on us, that we, your purified people, may sing your praises with the Church on earth and all saints and angels now and forever. Amen.

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Readings:

Matthew 2:1-12 - the visit of the Magi

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

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Revelation 22: 16-17, 20-21 - Jesus, the Morning Star

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

…

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. 

Amen.

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(Take a moment to meditate on these readings, placing a jewel into the basin for each person, situation, need, concern or gratitude you want to give to the Lord in 2026.)

(Gather outside the front door.)

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In the name of the Father, the + Son and the Holy Spirit, peace be to this house.

And to all who enter herein.

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From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of his burial.

May God visit and bless this home and all who enter here: “Christus Mansionem Benedicat”.

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(Write above the door: 20+C+M+B+26)

(The letters stand for the Latin blessing “Christus mansionem benedicat”, which means “May Christ bless this house.” They also represent the traditional names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.)

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(Enter the home, gather in the living room)

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. 

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O Lord, hear my prayer.

And let my cry come to You.

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Let us pray. O God, who by the guidance of a star did on this day manifest Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we who know You by faith may also attain the vision of Your glorious majesty. Through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

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(Light the candle in the basin, surrounded by intentions for the year.)

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Be enlightened, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for your Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you — Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary.

‍And the Gentiles shall walk in your light and kings in the splendor of your rising. The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

‍Let us pray. Bless, O Lord God almighty, this home, these lives, the communities represented here, to be vessels, like the willing Virgin Mary, to receive your love and promises, and that these homes, lives and communities might bear the light of the Morning Star to the world you have redeemed through the life, death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. All our needs, our loved ones, our concerns and our thanksgivings, we place in the light of your love and care. May this blessing, in the name of the Father, + Son and Holy Spirit rest and remain on us in 2026 and forever.

Amen.

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RESOURCE

We highly recommend buying the Lutheran Service Book as a resource

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