First Sunday after Epiphany—Baptism of Our Lord

“Christ” is not the family name of Jesus. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.”

Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulfillment of promises made over centuries.

Gospel—Matthew 3:13–17

First Reading—Isaiah 42:1–7

Second Reading—Acts 10:34–38

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 45

Hymn of the Day—To Jordan's River Came Our Lord (CW 377)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkfdVrCdXkfexvas81vJljN&si=3XehM8rz4DXV4mXv

Second Sunday after Epiphany

For centuries Israel offered sacrifices to God for sin. Over and over, a substitute shed its blood to earn forgiveness. Then Jesus appeared, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. He died as the substitute for sinful mankind. Connected to him by faith, you have a new perspective and new motivation for living a Christian life.

Gospel—John 1:29–41

First Reading—Isaiah 49:1–6

Second Reading—Colossians 2:6–15

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 40

Hymn of the Day—Arise and Shine in Splendor (CW 375)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMmk7lOG8r6bq6ksCUnZyIov&si=Hd88jH1DYLYnbi3b

Third Sunday after Epiphany

The prophet Isaiah vividly described humanity as “people walking in darkness.” Then he foretold that a light would shine on them. Enveloped by sin, suffering, and death, we find our minds and hearts clouded. But Jesus is revealed as the promised light. He shines his light by preaching repentance and the good news of the kingdom. Our Savior is the Light of the world, and we reflect his light onto everyone around us.

Gospel—Matthew 4:12–23

First Reading—Isaiah 8:19–9:4

Second Reading—1 John 2:3–11

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 27

Hymn of the Day—O Christ, Our True and Only Light (CW 904)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMk_78b_1W0Z42Ou-2VqiiMy&si=ab00H9vy8KOmLYAC

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

You may not feel blessed when you are hungry or insulted or mourning the death of a loved one. You may not be in the mood to boast when you feel foolish, weak, or lowly. But knowing your difficulties, Jesus still chose you to be his own. He gives you many gifts, and he calls you blessed.

Gospel—Matthew 5:1–12

First Reading—Zephaniah 2:3; 3:11–13

Second Reading—1 Corinthians 1:26–31

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 1

Hymn of the Day—Blest Are They (CW 690)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkAoNVN9t_iupcT8qDXs7pT&si=v4kb6QJkevig86eK

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us that form and function are closely connected. That means that who we are influences what we do. When God called us to faith, he declared that we were something new: light, salt, his children. Jesus encourages us to be what God says we are as a way of blessing the world through us.

Gospel—Matthew 5:13–20

First Reading—Exodus 19:1–8a

Second Reading—1 Peter 2:9–12

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 112

Hymn of the Day—Thy Strong Word (CW 630)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMmglbQudcyXDJXCatg9Y4vs&si=KSupXuEaTK2X0eAs

Last Sunday after Epiphany—Transfiguration of Our Lord

Jesus is a real human being, and he looked like it when he taught his disciples. But one day atop a high mountain, Jesus gave his disciples a glimpse of his glory as the Son of God. After he came down from the mountain, Jesus went to Jerusalem to suffer and die. It is good for us to view Jesus in glory on the mountain. It prepares us for Lent, and it prepares us for life.

Gospel—Matthew 17:1–9

First Reading—Exodus 24:9–18

Second Reading—2 Peter 1:16–21

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 2

Hymn of the Day—Down from the Mount of Glory (CW 388)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkAkM4SENTsTNL1bvbJLrEz&si=pCmEaMO7mbCyIie7