Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.

Isaiah 9:1-4

Light shines for those in darkness

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Appeal for unity in the gospel

Matthew 4:12-23

Revelation of Christ as a prophet

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.

Isaiah 49:1-7

The servant brings light to the nations

Psalm 40:1-11

I love to do your will, O my God. (Ps. 40:8)

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul’s greeting to the church at Corinth

John 1:29-42

Revelation of Christ as the Lamb of God

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.

Isaiah 42:1-9

The servant of the Lord brings justice

Psalm 29

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)

Acts 10:34-43

Jesus’ ministry after his baptism

Matthew 3:13-17

Revelation of Christ as God’s servant

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.

Isaiah 60:1-6

Nations come to the light

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

All kings shall bow down before him. (Ps. 72:11)

Ephesians 3:1-12

The gospel’s promise extends to all

Matthew 2:1-12

Revelation of Christ to the nations of the earth

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

Isaiah 7:10-16

The sign of Immanuel

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. (Ps. 80:7)

Romans 1:1-7

Paul’s greeting to the church at Rome

Matthew 1:18-25

A God near at hand

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Isaiah 9:2-7

Light shines: a child is born for us

Titus 2:11-14

The grace of God has appeared

Luke 2:1-20

God with us

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

Isaiah 35:1-10

The desert blooms as God’s people return from exile

James 5:7-10

Patience until the coming of the Lord

Matthew 11:2-11

The forerunner of Christ

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.

Isaiah 11:1-10

From David’s line, a ruler bringing justice and peace

Romans 15:4-13

Live in harmony, welcoming one another

Matthew 3:1-12

A voice cries: Prepare the way of the Lord

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

Isaiah 2:1-5

Weapons of war transformed into instruments of peace

Romans 13:11-14

Salvation is near; time to wake from sleep

Matthew 24:36-44

The sudden coming of the Son of Man

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears so utterly contradictory that the king should be crucified with the criminal. This victory appears for all the world as ignominious defeat. Yet through the gate of death our Lord opens the door to paradise.

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Coming of the shepherd and righteous Branch who will execute justice

Colossians 1:11-20

Hymn to Christ, firstborn of all creation; peace through his blood

Luke 23:33-43

Jesus is crucified between two thieves: you will be with me in Paradise