Rod Groom's Thinking

Readings for Sunday, January 4th, 2026

This Sunday is actually the Second Sunday of Christmas, but we will be taking our readings from the Epiphany of the Lord, observed on January 6th – the Twelfth Day of Christmas! If you would like to see the readings for Second Sunday, see the bottom of this message. 

Lectionary Readings

Notes: 

  • Matthew tells the story of the Magi coming from another country (Babylon?) to worship the newborn king of the Jews. They saw his star “when it rose” in the east. This could indicate a planet, star, comet or meteor to which special significance was attached. Options include a guiding angel or other supernatural phenomena. Some believe it could have been an apparent conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in the zodiac sign of Pisces, which ancient astrologers/astronomers could have taken as the birth of a new king of the Jews (symbolized by Pisces), having special significance for all, including wise men from another country, culture and religion! They would come to the capital city of the Jews to inquire, and upset the tyrannical Herod and all the chief priests and scribes. Whatever the cause, this was the first indication that the birth of Jesus had implications beyond Israel and the Jewish religion. We celebrate this event as the Epiphany, which means a manifestation of God or the divine. 
  • Isaiah prophesies a glorious restoration of Israel after exile, the glory of the Messiah foreshadowing the world coming to them. We see it first in the birth and incarnation of Jesus in Bethlehem, as he is visited by the first Gentiles, the Magi from the East.
  • Our Psalm celebrates the King who will rule in wisdom, justice, righteousness and compassion for all, rich and poor, from all nations. We easily see its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. 
  • In Ephesians Paul gives praise for the ultimate mystery revealed and fulfilled in Jesus, that Gentiles and Jews are all fellow heirs together. Paul was given this mystery and ministry to the Gentiles, whom he formerly had persecuted. 

God loves us all. Through the merit of the passion of Christ, we are all drawn together in the salvation he has won for us. May we all learn to love God and one another as Jesus does for us. Glory to him!

SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS READINGS: