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Lord of the strong reaction

Commentary
First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52
David Kalas
The New Testament gives us only one peek into Jesus' childhood. The story of his birth is familiar, cherished, and celebrated. The stories from his adult life are at the heart of our faith. But we are struck by the mostly "silent years" that come between the birth narratives and his baptism by John.

Luke is the only one who pierces that veil for us. At the end of Luke 2, the good doctor shares with us one episode from Jesus' childhood. That story is our gospel lection this week, and it tells of the boy Jesus visiting Jerusalem with his parents at the time of the Passover.
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Mark Ellingsen
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1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
In the mid-1990’s, Wendy’s restaurants had a promotion win which they would “biggie size” your drink, your meal, almost everything but the Frosty! Wendy’s decided to discontinue this promotion after getting some criticism from those who claim the fast-food industry was contributing to the nation’s obesity problem.
Mark Ellingsen
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and men. Let us worship him today with dignity and love, remembering that he was once a child just as we have all been children.

Invitation to Confession:

 Father God,

Lord, have mercy.

 Father God,

Christ, have mercy.

 Father God,

Lord, have mercy

 Reading:

 Luke 2:41-52

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(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas 1, Cycle A; Christmas 1, Cycle B; and Easter 5, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Mary S. Lautensleger
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