Second Sunday After Epiphany

January 16, 2022

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am

Livestream at 8:25am
Bulletin for the service

Prayer of the Day

Lord God, source of every blessing, you showed forth your glory and led many to faith by the works of your Son, who brought gladness and salvation to his people. Transform us by the Spirit of his love, that we may find our life together in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Scripture

Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

Read the lessons online

Sermon

“The Best, as Last”
John 2:1-11

We always seem to be running on empty. We run short of time, money, energy, and so many other things. Even our celebrations are stalked by scarcity, as evidenced by the wedding at Cana in Galilee. The wine gave out before the party let out. Jesus is content to let things stand, but Mary has other ideas. Jesus has the servants fill the jars that are typically used for rite of purification. Through mechanisms unexplained, Jesus changes the water into wine; not simply wine, but good wine. But this miracle is no mere party trick, impressive or otherwise. It is a sign that points to who Jesus is and why he has come. The wedding occurs on the third day after Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael. Jesus, on another third day, after life had run out, will change everything. In his own blood he offers purification. He, in his resurrection, changes death into life. We are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb once more today, reminded that the gifts given by God are always enough, for the  God at work in Christ is always more than enough. In Christ, the mysterious mechanism of grace unfolds.

Hymns

Jesus, Come! For We Invite You, WOV 648 
Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness, LBW 224
What Feast of Love, WOV 701
Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, LBW 90

WOV, With One Voice
LBW, Lutheran Book of Worship

In our prayers we remember Hope for Grieving Children.