Sermon: January 11, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9 / Acts 10:34-43 / Matthew 3:13-17

Epiphany is the season when God’s light is revealed—not just to be admired, but to be followed. At Christmas, the light of Christ comes into the world. At Epiphany, that light shines outward, exposing who God is and calling us to live differently.

Scripture reveals a servant who works quietly yet faithfully, who refuses to crush what is fragile: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench.” This is not a gentle indifference, but a fierce compassion, justice rooted in mercy, love committed to restoration.

That same love is revealed at Jesus’ baptism. Jesus enters the waters not because he needs repentance, but to stand fully with us. He steps into human vulnerability and hears the words spoken over him: Beloved. This is not a private moment of affirmation, but a public revelation of God’s heart, and the beginning of a ministry that will lead Jesus to the wounded, the outcast, and the cross.

Through baptism, we are named Beloved too. And belovedness is not an escape from the world’s pain; it is a calling into it. Our baptismal covenant sends us to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every human being.

That means we cannot remain silent when people are treated as disposable, excluded, or unworthy of compassion. To follow Christ is to tend bruised reeds, to protect dimly burning wicks, and to stand with those who are most vulnerable, even when doing so is uncomfortable or costly.

Epiphany reveals who God is—and who we are called to be.
If our faith does not lead us into compassion, justice, and courageous love, then we have not truly lived Epiphany.

Because Epiphany that does not change how we live isn’t Epiphany at all.