January 1st:
Sermon text—Luke 2:15-21 {The Name of Jesus Sunday}
This text is the continuation of the story of the birth of Jesus. It tells of the shepherds who came and praised God for all they had heard and seen. Then it tells of Jesus’ circumcise and the naming of the child. He is given the name Jesus that was given to Mary by the angel prior to Mary conceiving the child. The significance of the name is that it means ‘the Lord saves’ in Hebrew. Hence the name tells us what Jesus will accomplish through his life.
January 8th:
Sermon text—Mark 1:4-11 {The Baptism of Jesus Sunday}
The lesson today tells us about Jesus’ baptism. Baptism is a sign of our identity as a child of God and a commissioning event. Jesus’ baptism commissions him to the task before him. How does our baptism commission us for the ministry before us?
January 15th:
Sermon text—John 1:43-51
This is the account of Philip and Nathanael. After Jesus calls Philip to come and follow Him, Philip goes and finds Nathanael and invites him to come and see the promised one of God. When is the last time that you invited someone to worship or a time to learn about Jesus? Is inviting others about experience Jesus a part of living out our baptismal covenant?
January 22nd:
Sermon text—Mark 1:14-20
This is Mark’s account of Jesus calling the disciples to come and follow him. Jesus also promises them that they will fish for people. How has Jesus called you? What has Jesus called you to do? Are you serious about discipleship? How is discipleship different from membership within the church?
January 29th:
Sermon text—Mark 1:21-28
Today we hear of Jesus’ ministry of healing and casting out demons. This lesson along with many of the other lessons during Epiphany helps us to understand who Jesus is and what his mission was. What do these miracles tell us about who Jesus is? What does it mean that Jesus teaches as one with authority?