Category: Worship

Where can we find Jesus?

Jesus in the Temple by Heinrich Hofmann

In our Gospel text Jesus is 12 years old. Why would this, the only time we hear Jesus speak prior to his Baptism, why would this story be included in the season of Epiphany?
Jesus is in the holy city of Jerusalem for a particular reason–to celebrate the Passover. He did this because he was an obedient Jewish boy. He and his parents had traveled with a group from Nazareth to Jerusalem to the Temple, a distance of about 110 miles which would take several days. They had come to offer sacrifices because that was what was commanded of them according to the Law of Moses. …For more, click on the title above.

Epiphany 2_2026

Six Earthen Water Jars by Jyoti Sahi

Epiphany 2

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Remembering baptism: Christ’s and ours

The Baptism of Jesus by Mike Moyers

Each Epiphany Season, the more historic readings series through which we receive God’s gifts, are given to remind you that the work of declaring you right with the Father began at Jesus’ conception, birth, and circumcision. It continue(d) in His baptism. In time, the holy work God did that you, and all sinners, might be declared right with God, neared its fulfillment on a cross. That is when His blood began to cover over sin, to atone for sins. …For more, click on the title above.

Written by the prophet

Advent Starry Night 5 by Virginia Wierenga

There are two ways that people learned of and came to visit the infant Savior. The first way is how the shepherds learned of the birth of Christ.
As we heard read during the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, the shepherds were doing their job, watching over the flock placed in their care through the night when they were greeted by an angel of the Lord. The angel told them where Jesus was and sent them on their way. They were told by a messenger of the Lord where the Light of Man was born….For more, click on the title above.

The Law always accuses, the Gospel always acquits

Flight into Egypt by John August Swanson

The following theme flowed forth from today’s readings:
Lex semper accusat…lex non potest eos accusare aut damnare..
Those two Latin phrases ought to be interpreted into the language common to us, English. That is because we desire that we might be found faithful to the teaching of the Scriptures. The first phrase, lex semper accusat… may be correctly interpreted to mean: “The Law always accuses….” The second phrase, lex non potest eos accusare aut damnare is interpreted to reveal that “the Law cannot accuse or condemn them (that is, those who remain in the Jesus of the Scriptures).” Another way to think of that is to hear, reflect, and own this old biblically formed adage: The Law convicts, condemns, and kills… the Gospel acquits, atones, and enlivens. …For more, clickl on the title above.

Christmas 2_2026

Flight into Egypt by John August Swanson

Christmas 2

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