Lectionary Lab PREMIUM Edition for the First Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B

January 7, 2024

Thinking the Texts by John Fairless

One of the most identifiable characteristics of the Sundays after the Epiphany is the theme of light. During this time between Christmas and Lent, we are illumined by the revealing of Christ and the sharing of the light of God. What better way to begin than these opening words from Genesis, when God’s very first action was to bring forth light by the very words that God speaks? (Hint: God’s voice is an important feature of this season of Epiphany, as well.)

And, just in time, Psalm 29 gives us a great overview of the power of God’s voice. As if producing light ex nihilo wasn’t enough, now we see (and hear) the voice of God cracking mighty cedar trees, thundering forth over roaring waters, and inducing child-like skipping sessions among the calves and the oxen. Sounds like fun (well, the last part, anyway!)

Acts 19 is a bit quizzical for me — I don’t know everything that should be interpreted by this question about the coming of the Holy Spirit by baptism (and at the hands of Paul). What I do know is that the Spirit is integrally and intimately involved in the confession of believers, and that — like in the life of Jesus — the Spirit always shows up when we need the Spirit.