St. Clement's Episcopal Church, Rancho Cordova

02/05/2026

01/07/2026

“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.” Matthew 2:2, “He has brought down the mighty from their thrones.” Luke 2:52 // The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Feast of the Epiphany (or “The Feast of Theophany”) occurs after the 12 days of Christmas. Historically, the night before Epiphany (“Twelfth Night”) and the day of Epiphany are times of celebrations, bonfires (often burning old Christmas trees and wreaths), and house blessings. The word ‘Epiphany’ means ‘the manifestation of God to man.” The Feast of the Epiphany commemorates two specific moments of this revelation in the life of Jesus: The adoration of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river. In the coming of the wise men (traditionally believed to be wise kings named Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior) the rulers of the Gentiles offered gifts, tribute, and worship to the revealed Savior of Israel. In this act, ancient prophecies were fulfilled that kings and nations would serve the Messianic king. Christ was further revealed in Trinitarian glory at his baptism, where the Holy Spirit descended in the bodily form of a dove and the Father in Heaven was heard to say, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Epiphany begins a season that culminates in Quinquagesima Sunday (the Sunday before Lent), which in many traditions commemorates Christ’s Transfiguration. In this profound moment, Christ’s divine glory was revealed and the Father announced once again, “This is my beloved Son, hear him.”

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Art & history by Ben Lansing

“Our Church Speaks” book, podcast, prints available at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

01/05/2026

Happy new year from St. Clement's!

12/26/2025

“He has exalted the humble and meek.”
Christmas Eve

It is commonly interpreted that Jesus was born at night, as attested by the angels of Luke 2:8 announcing Jesus’ birth to “shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Christmas night has long been marked by mystery and wonder, inspiring great hymns and carols such as “O Holy Night.”

“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.”

This stanza captures the theme of Advent that has defined our four weeks of prayer and fasting as we too have pined for the Lord’s appearing at Christmas. On this night, God confirmed our worth by sending his Son, born in humility in human flesh, so that through his death and resurrection we could have peace with God. There is now only one proper response to this reality:

“Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born. “

On Christmas Eve, the season of Advent merges with the first celebrations of Christ’s birth. Many families begin opening Christmas presents on Christmas Eve, and it is traditional for Christians to attend a nighttime Christmas Eve service to inaugurate their Christmas season of worship and praise for the newborn King. The fasting and waiting of Advent is over;the feasting and rejoicing of Christmas has begun.

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.

Art & history by Ben Lansing

Book, podcast, and prints at www.ourchurchspeaks.com

12/22/2025

Our annual choir Christmas program!