Commentary | Isaiah 43:1-7 | We Wish You a Merry Baptism?

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

We Wish You a Merry Baptism?

Commentary

The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C

In the logic of the church year, we have spent four weeks anticipating the coming of the Lord, followed by two that celebrate his arrival. Now, with the liturgical and seasonal remembrances of his birth and epiphany completed, we fast forward to his baptism. That is essentially what the gospels do, and we follow their lead.

Read more about We Wish You a Merry Baptism?

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For March 8, 2026:

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Exodus 17:1-7
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Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.

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Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.

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Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
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After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...

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Thomas WilladsenNazish NaseemChristopher KeatingKaty StentaMary AustinGeorge ReedDean Feldmeyer

Marian R. PlantDavid G. Plant

Carlos Wilton

Russell F. Anderson

Lee Griess

Frank Luchsinger

Richard E. Gribble, CSC

Mark Ellingsen

Harry N. Huxhold

Dallas A. Brauninger

Wayne H. Keller

Janice B. Scott

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt

Keith HewittTimothy Smith

Wayne BrouwerSchuyler Rhodes

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Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant

Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith

Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes