Sunday, January 12, 2025 – Baptism of Our Lord / Lectionary 1, Year C
Epiphany Theme
The Light of Christ brings Hope and Life
Theme Write-up written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries
The worship theme “The Light of Christ Brings Hope and Life” for the season of Epiphany 2025 invites us to reflect on how the light of Jesus illuminates our lives and the world with renewed hope and abundant life. During Epiphany, a season celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the nations, this theme draws from Scripture’s rich imagery of light breaking through darkness. From the star that guided the Magi to the prophetic declarations of Jesus as the “Light of the World,” we are reminded that Christ’s presence reveals God’s love, guidance, and salvation for all people. Through worship, we are called to celebrate this radiant hope, even amid life’s uncertainties, and to embrace the life-giving promise of Christ’s grace.
This theme also challenges us to embody the light of Christ in our daily lives. As we receive His hope and life, we are sent out as bearers of His light, reflecting His love and justice to a world yearning for healing and restoration. Through acts of kindness, reconciliation, and witness, we become part of God’s mission to dispel darkness and bring hope to those around us. The season of Epiphany is thus a time not only of celebration but also of transformation, as we are invited to live as Christ’s light in a world hungry for the hope and life only He can bring.
Ardor (Worship Musicians)
The musicians rehearse from 9:00 – 9:45 am every Sunday morning. All are welcome! The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week of the month. Contact the office if you plan to help lead worship.
Sunday School
A multigenerational Sunday School class meets weekly from 9:00 – 9:45 am in the church library unless noted otherwise. The series “The Chosen” is being used to dig deeper into our faith walk.
Worship Information
Join us in-person for the weekly Worship Service at 10:00 am in-person or via Facebook Live if you are unable to attend in person (https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsdavenport/). The service will later be uploaded to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@allsaintslutheranchurchdav1987) for your viewing.
If you would like the words for the worship service, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information.
Introduction Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.
Sunday’s festival rejoices in God’s blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as God’s children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we “pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God’s Beloved, Jesus, in bread and wine.
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Scripture
Isaiah 43:1-7
When you pass through the waters, do not fear, for I am with you
Near the end of Israel’s exile in Babylon, God promises to bring the people home. They need no longer be afraid, because the one who formed, created, and called them by name now redeems them from all their enemies. God declares them precious and honored, and God loves them.
Psalm 29
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)
Acts 8:14-17
Prayer and laying on of hands for the Holy Spirit
Peter and John are sent to support the new Christians in Samaria, a group that was recently baptized after hearing the good news of Christ through the preaching of Philip. Here the Samaritans receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in the laying on of hands.
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
The baptism of Jesus with the descent of the Holy Spirit
The reading opens with questions about the identity of the Messiah. John the Baptist insists that he is not the Messiah; instead he points ahead to one who is coming. And whether the voice of God was heard by all or only by Jesus, God settles the matter: Jesus is God’s beloved Son.
Fellowship Time
You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.