An Epiphany Procession

At the offering of Gold

Fine dust of lode gold, sown

in cup-shaped hollows within the sandy earth,

lined with mud, bone-ash and lead

-  to draw out the impurities -

and extreme fire urged upon it.

Thus refined, purified, and reformed,

globes of the precious metal

glister in the sun.

A coloured scarf, symbol of the gold of purity, accompanies the offering and is draped by the crib, while the organ represents the gift in sound.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe:

to you be praise and glory for ever!

As gold in the furnace is tried

and purified seven times in the fire,

so purify our hearts and minds

that we may be a royal priesthood

acceptable in the service of your kingdom.

All:   Blessed be God for ever!

Song:  Be still, for the presence of the Lord

At the offering of Incense

Gum from pierced bark of the host tree,

air cooled,

the resin coalescing

into small yellow tears,

fragrant -

to soothe, to purify,

and invite prayerfulness.

A coloured scarf, symbol of rising incense, accompanies the offering and is draped by the crib, while the organ represents the gift in sound.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe:

to you be praise and glory for ever!

As our prayer rises up in your presence as incense,

so may we be presented before you

with penitent hearts and uplifted hands

to offer ourselves in your priestly service.

All:   Blessed be God for ever!

Carol:             Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?

At the offering of Myrrh

From the wounded bark of its sturdy bush

flowed the pale yellow liquid,

hardening to reddish brown -

aromatic, cleansing, and healing.

A coloured scarf, symbol of the oil of healing, accompanies the offering and is draped by the crib, while the organ represents the gift in sound.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe:

to you be praise and glory for ever!

As you give medicine to heal our sickness

and the leaves of the tree of life

for the healing of the nations,

so anoint us with your healing power

that we may be the first-fruits of your new creation.

All:   Blessed be God for ever!

Carol: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning