January 5, 2025
SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
JEREMIAH 31:7-14; PSALM 147:12-20; EPHESIANS 1:3-14; JOHN 1:3-14
Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.
JANUARY 12, 2025
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD, FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
ISAIAH 43:1-7; PSALM 29; ACTS 8:14-17; LUKE 3:15-17, 21-22
Today’s festival rejoices in God’s blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as God’s children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised God when we “pass through the waters….the rivers…fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God’s Beloved, Jesus, in bread and wine.
JANUARY 19, 2025
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPHIPHANY
ISAIAH 62:1-5; PSALM 36:5-10; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11; JOHN 2:1-11
The Sunday after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism – today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see.
JANUARY 26, 2025
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPHIPHANY
God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.
