Perseverance and breakthroughs
Lectionary Blog

Perseverance and breakthroughs

Lectionary for Jan. 18, 2026 Second Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 Have you ever felt so discouraged that you almost quit, but you…

Breathe together
Faith in Action

Breathe together

Focal verse “The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). Reflection You made it—you’re here at the start of a…

The <i>what</i> and the <i>why</i>
Lectionary Blog

The what and the why

Lectionary for Jan 11, 2026 Baptism of Our Lord First Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17 Don’t you love books or movies where you already…

Shrewd grace
Theology & Beliefs

Shrewd grace

We don’t usually put the words “shrewd” and “grace” together. They aren’t compatible. Rather, they are opposed in character, each carrying its own connotations that divide them into separate categories….

Grace upon grace
Lectionary Blog

Grace upon grace

Lectionary for Jan. 4, 2026 Second Sunday of Christmas Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:[1-9]10-18 Can you remember a time when things might have been a little too…

Reimagining faithful witness
Voices of Faith

Reimagining faithful witness

Series editor’s note: This article kicks off the 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings”: faithful witness in challenging times. In the coming year, various authors will explore what it means for…

The stories are still relevant
Lectionary Blog

The stories are still relevant

Lectionary blog for December 28 First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23 My “side hustle” is sometimes teaching Hebrew Bible classes at ELCA seminaries. One…

Waiting with hope
From The Presiding Bishop

Waiting with hope

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19). What does it mean to wait with hope? The upcoming months…

A dangerous time for a baby
Lectionary Blog

A dangerous time for a baby

Lectionary blog for Dec. 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 Like many families, my wife and I have a “Covid baby” (a…

Lessons from <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i>
Voices of Faith

Lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas

We all know the story of the angel appearing to shepherds on the night Jesus was born. In church, we’ll hear Matthew’s version this year, but many will think of…

Lectionary blog: Prepare in the wilderness
Lectionary Blog

Lectionary blog: Prepare in the wilderness

Lectionary blog for Dec. 14 Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 Have you ever been in a desert or wilderness area? Most of us…

The greatest story
Faith in Action

The greatest story

Focal verse “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people’” (Luke 2:10). Reflection The…