“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Worship Link for January 11, 2026: https://youtu.be/oK1eC2SC6OA
Worship: Sunday, January 18, 2026: 10:45 a.m.; Second Chance Band
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
Second after Epiphany
Texts this week: Isaiah 49:1–7; Psalm 40:1–11; 1 Corinthians 1:1–9; John 1:29–42
To Ponder: Isaiah 49:1–7; John 1:29–42
A Brief Reflection
Isaiah speaks to a people who feel worn down, overlooked, and unsure of their place. Into that uncertainty, God offers a surprising word of assurance: you are called to be a light. Not a spotlight drawing attention to yourself, but a light that helps others find their way—toward justice, healing, and hope. This calling does not depend on strength, success, or confidence. It comes before we speak, before we act, before we feel ready. It is God’s gift, not our achievement.
In John’s Gospel, we see what this calling looks like in everyday faithfulness. John the Baptist does not cling to authority or recognition. He simply points and says, “Here is the one I’ve been telling you about.” His witness is quiet, humble, and honest. He directs others toward Jesus and then steps aside, trusting that relationship and encounter will do the rest. John shows us that faithful witness is not about being impressive, but about being true.
Together, these texts remind us that witnessing is about more than words alone. It is about how we live. We do not only point people toward Jesus; we reflect Jesus in our lives. Through acts of love and kindness, through courage and compassion, through choosing goodness even when it is costly, we embody the way of Christ in the world. The story Say Something! captures this beautifully: the world needs each of our voices—not louder, not perfect, but faithful. Each of us has a unique way of sharing God’s love, and every voice matters.
John’s Gospel adds another dimension: sometimes faith begins not with a command, but with an invitation. Jesus does not demand belief; he simply says, “Come and see.” It is an open door, an experience to be entered into, a choice to be made.
Some of us experience faith as a clear and unmistakable call. Others encounter it as a gentle invitation, unfolding slowly over time. Many of us move between the two throughout our lives. However it comes, God meets us where we are—and then sends us back into the world as light, as witnesses, as love made visible.
Let us pray …
Faithful and calling God,
you know us by name and invite us to come and see.
You have shaped us to be light in this world,
to reflect your love through our words and our actions.
When our voices feel small, remind us that they matter.
When the path ahead feels uncertain, draw us closer to Christ.
Help us to witness with kindness, courage, and grace,
so that others may glimpse your hope through us.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Trinity United Church 