“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Worship Link for January 18, 2026: https://youtu.be/Wav3cqkiLtU
Worship: Sunday, January 25, 2026: 10:45 a.m.
Reverend Damber Khadka is currently away. For pastoral emergencies please contact the office.
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
Third week after Epiphany
Texts this week: Isaiah 9:1–4; Psalm 27:1, 4–9; 1 Corinthians 1:10–18; Matthew 4:12–23
To Ponder: Psalm 27 | Matthew 4:12–23
A Brief Reflection:
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
These two passages together form a powerful movement—from promise, to presence, to response.
In Psalm 27, the psalmist declares a deep and steady trust:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
This is faith spoken in the midst of real struggle. The psalm does not pretend that life is easy, but it insists that God’s light is stronger than fear. At its heart is a longing not just for safety, but for communion with God—to dwell in the presence of the Lord. It reminds us that courage grows when we remain rooted in God’s presence.
In Isaiah’s proclamation, we hear God’s invitation to rise from weariness and despair: “Arise, shine.” This is not a command to create our own light, but to receive and reflect the light God has already given. It is a call to hope, to renewal, and to becoming a visible sign of God’s glory in a world that often feels heavy with darkness.
In Matthew 4, that promised light takes flesh in Jesus. He steps into Galilee—into places marked by hardship—and announces that God’s reign is near. Then he calls ordinary people into extraordinary purpose: “Follow me.” The disciples respond not because everything is clear, but because the light of Christ has broken into their ordinary lives and awakened something new.
Together, these scriptures invite us to examine our own calling. Where is God inviting us to rise? Where is Christ calling us to follow? How might we become people who carry God’s light into our homes, our church, and our wider community?
To ponder these texts is to hear the same invitation spoken again today:
Do not remain in fear.
Do not stay seated in comfort.
Arise. Step into the light. Follow the One who leads us into life, justice, and hope.
Let us pray …
Gracious and faithful God,
you are our light and our salvation.
As you call us to arise and follow Christ,
give us courage to step out of fear,
strength to walk in faith,
and hearts open to your transforming love.
May we carry your light into the world,
reflecting your grace, justice, and hope
in all that we do.
Through Jesus Christ, our Light and Guide. Amen.
Trinity United Church 