Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 9, 2011

Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Year A: January 9, 2011

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-9

Always by Alison McGhee and Pascal Lemaitre (Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: In this passage Isaiah is speaking of the promise of God to bring forth a servant who will faithfully establish justice in the world, a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We are reminded of the unyielding love of a God who will go to great lengths to protect, care for, and redeem the people who are called God’s own. Always offers a parallel story of a small dog who will stop at nothing to protect “the castle”. He will tame the squirrels, protect the blanket, chase away evil, and contain the wind… “Why?” the dog asks, simply “Because you live here.”

Second Reading: Matthew 3: 13-17

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangerin, Jr. (Written for ages 4 and up)

Comment: This passage in Matthew gives the account of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. This presents a wonderful opportunity to help children remember and reflect about their own baptism. Water, Come Down! uses beautiful illustrations and poetic language to help children (and adults!) do just that. Just as God called Jesus “Beloved,” we can all make that claim as the sons and daughters of God.

Third Reading: Acts 10: 34-43

Jesus, the Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones Written for ages 4 and up)

Comment: In this section of Acts, Peter is preaching the good news to the Gentiles. Contained in these 9 verses, we can find a summary of the purpose, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Word provides a visually captivating journey through this story of Jesus.  Scripture and poetry are wound together and the images beautifully illustrate some of the most complex theological concepts that can be found in today’s passage. The book would be useful as a whole, but could even be used in part, to focus on one aspect of the journey of Christ.

This Lectionary Links post was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Megan Argabrite.