Month: January 2021

The Clear Word for an Unclear Path

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

At the end of Moses’ life, to His apprehensive people God promised to send a prophet like Moses. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy in more ways than anyone expected. Today we move from confession of our weaknesses to confidence in God’s protection, thanks to the presence of Christ in Word and Sacrament.

READINGS

OLD TESTAMENT
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
(God promises a prophet like Moses.)

Psalm
Psalm 111

EPISTLE
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
(Caring about a friend’s conscience.)

GOSPEL
Mark 1:21-28
(Jesus commands an unclean spirit to leave a man.)

COLLECT

Let us pray. Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

It’s About Time

Sunday, January 24, 2021

Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Today’s Scriptures make us aware of God’s use of time. From eternity He planned to save us and in Jesus accomplished our salvation. He is with us in the present moment, coming through the hearing of His Word and as we receive our Lord under bread and wine. He has promised to accompany us with His Spirit through each day until we join Him in eternity. The past, present, and future are highlighted as we come together in worship this day.

READINGS

OLD TESTAMENT
Jonah 3:1-5,10
(The Ninevites repent in time.)

Psalm
Psalm 62

EPISTLE
1 Corinthians 7:29-35
(It’s time to be devoted to the Lord.)

HOLY GOSPEL
Mark 1:14-20
(Jesus announces the kingdom’s coming.)

COLLECT

Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

An Epiphany Wedding

Sunday, January 17, 2021

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

The early winter darkness in the northern hemisphere provides the perfect backdrop for the candles and glow of the Christmas celebration. But as the glow of Christmas fades, the darkness is still there. The life of faith in this world is a constant struggle between the darkness of sin and the light of new life in Christ. Fortunately we are not left powerless for the struggle. “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Joined to the Lord as in a wedding we become a new person in Christ and are given the new family name: Christian. In that name we glorify God with all that we have, fully confident of His love.

READINGS

Old Testament

1 Samuel 3:1–10
(God reveals Himself to Samuel.)

Psalm

Psalm 139:1-10

Epistle

1 Corinthians 6:12–20
(Glorify God in your body.)

Gospel

John 1:43–51
(Listen! God is calling.)

COLLECT

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God,
who governs all things in heaven and on earth,
mercifully hear the prayers of Your people
and grant us Your peace through all our days;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen