The readings for the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Matthew 5:1-12. There are two kinds of power: power to take from others for self, which is self-defeating OR power to give from oneself to others, which is a benefit to all. What is the one thing that … Continue reading Sunday Summary

The readings for the third Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; and Matthew 4:12-25. Isaiah makes mention of the Gentiles (“islands,” “peoples,” “nations”) in many, many places. Essential to Epiphany and to the revelatory work of Jesus is to remind everyone that God is the Creator and Redeemer of everyone; that … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Third Sunday after Epiphany

The readings for the second Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and John 1:29-42. The physics are simple: the Word of God comes to us and draws us along so that we follow.  Isaiah has much to reveal about the promised Savior. He is the Redeemer of all people, Gentiles … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Second Sunday after Epiphany

The readings for the Baptism of our Lord are taken from Isaiah 42:1-9, Romans 6:1-11, and Matthew 3:13-17. Central to the Epiphany season is the reminder that God has always had all people in mind and saves all people through the incarnation of His Son. Isaiah foretold that the manner of Jesus was consistent with the … Continue reading Sunday Summary: The Baptism of Our Lord

The readings for the fourth Sunday in Advent are taken from Isaiah 7:10-17; Romans 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:18-25. Sometimes the lessons and their intersections are plain. Re-reading the lessons is a best practice and wonderful.  Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a Son, Immanuel, which means “God with us.”  Paul, in his letter … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Fourth Sunday in Advent

The readings for the third Sunday in Advent are taken from Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-11; and Matthew 11:2-15. Isaiah inspires hope for the desert places, where John the Baptizer would let people know that the Savior of the world was near. This Savior would bring healing. He would make a highway to bring us to Himself. He … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Third Sunday in Advent

The readings for the second Sunday in Advent are taken from Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; and Matthew 3:1-12. Isaiah and Matthew both record the presence of the Holy Spirit with Jesus. We remember that Gabriel told Mary she would conceive a firstborn Son by the power of the Holy Spirit and another angel explained to Joseph that the Mary’s … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Second Sunday in Advent