By the Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers
Revised Common Lectionary reflection for the Second Sunday after Christmas, Year A
January 4, 2026
Key verse: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. –Ephesians 1:7-8
In today’s Epistle lesson, we receive an incredible teaching about Christ: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7-8). Isn’t this extraordinary act of generosity almost incomprehensible? In response to the sinfulness of humanity, our loving God chooses to give. God gave Jesus. Jesus gave his life. And now we, having been the recipients of such generosity, also give. We do not give to “pay God back,” for we could never do that! Instead, we give out of hearts full of gratitude and a strong desire to be like Christ!
Our Gospel lesson tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being” (John 1:1-3).
Everything we need for our bodies has been furnished by God. Sunshine, rain, growing crops, plants and animals for food – are gifts from God. Likewise, clean water, the wood carpenters use to build our houses and furniture, as well as the medicines derived from the natural world – it’s all unmerited favor from Almighty God!
God also provides for our emotional and spiritual needs. We have family, friends, and communities of faith. We have therapists, psychiatrists, pastors, deacons, and lay ministers. We have the sacraments – Holy Communion and baptism – as well as the Holy Word of God upon which we are invited to scrumptiously feast every day.
There is nothing that we need that God has failed to provide! How would the world be different if we, as Christians, took up the call to follow Jesus, even into our own experiences of stewardship? What if we tried to give, as generously as we have received?
Today, may our parishioners hear our gentle invitation to model their stewardship after the kindness and compassion of Almighty God. In the African-American church of my childhood, we used to sing, “You can’t beat God giving, no matter how you try!”
As we trust the Holy Spirit to call, gather, and send us all into our neighborhoods to participate in the good work that God is already up to, I believe our joy will multiply. Our compassion will abound and we will see the world with new eyes!
In the affirmation of our baptismal vows, we renewed a commitment to a life of stewardship. We promised to dwell in beloved community, to participate in the sacraments, to read the Bible and pray. In so doing, we learn to trust God, proclaim Christ in word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace (adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p.228).
Ephesians says we have a greater inheritance than money or power, family or friends, neighbors or good employment. “We have also obtained an inheritance … marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:11-14.).
Alleluia! Jesus is our inheritance and greatest gift!
So, let’s pass this gift on to others, so that they, too, may know the incomparable joy of knowing Christ Jesus, our Lord!
In Worship:
Consider focusing your confession on the ways we fail to notice God’s generosity and the words of forgiveness on how God doesn’t stop blessing us, no matter what! You could choose to do an Affirmation of Baptism to remind parishioners of our promises to engage a life of stewardship inside of God’s beloved community.
After the sermon, consider two minutes of silence as you encourage everyone to silently name their many blessings – naming them one by one! As you choose songs, consider those that focus on stewardship, gratitude and God’s generosity, such as – “I Am Thanking Jesus” (This Far By Faith #286), “Take My Life and Let it Be” (ELW 583), or G”od Whose Giving Knows No Ending” (ELW 678).
Throughout the worship, you may invite the congregation to do a call and response such as:
Leader: You can’t beat God giving!
People: No matter how you try!
With youth:
Gather with your youth and ask them what is the best gift they ever received that was not earned. Ask them how it made them feel. Then, ask the reverse question, what is the greatest gift they ever gave, and how did it make them feel to give and the recipient to receive. Introduce the concept of stewardship. Remind them that giving to God and God’s church inspires similar feelings.
Pass out a piece of paper with three boxes for time, talent, and treasure. Encourage youth to write one – or more – ways they can share at home, church, or neighborhood in each category. Have youth share their answers as they feel comfortable. Remind them that they are a gift from God, treasured by the whole community. Close with prayer asking God to help youth to generously share their gifts both inside and outside of the church.
With children:
This children’s message takes advance work. Reach out to one or two older children and ask them to help you teach an important lesson about sharing. Call the kids forward and hand out mini chocolate bars unevenly. To the kids co-conspiring with you, give none. Give some of the other children one, two, or three.
Then look around and act surprised that some have much, others have little, and a couple have none. Ask what would God want us to do? See if the children can imagine a way to share. If they do, praise them! If not, remind them that sometimes we forget to share, but when we do God rejoices! If there are kids with no chocolate ask, “How can we make this right?” Finally, remind them that while chocolate is good, Jesus is better. Ask, “How can you share Jesus this week at home and at school?”
Previous reflections for Christmas 2A:
2020 – Light! Jesus! Action!
2014 – Light, action, incarnation
2011 – The year of satisfaction
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