Looking into the lectionary - Little things to can carry you into 2026

Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:1-9 Baptism of the Lord January 11, 2026 Isaiah 42 is the first of the “servant” passages — referring to one who is God’s agent of justice in the world. There are expressions in this passage that are as powerful as any in all of Scripture, especially when the prophet says of the servant: “He will bring forth justice to the nations … a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench.” How many times in the last year have we witnessed abuses of power — such as the grossly unjust deportation of Black or Brown-bodied people or the unconscionable targeting of the LGBTQ+ community — and felt the poignancy of images like the bruised reed or the dimly burning wick? How often have we heard our fellow church members ask, “What can I do?” Perhaps this is why theologian Kristine Culp says that vulnerability is the pivot of salvation — indeed, the point at which salvation might occur. Culp is not suggesting that vulnerability is inherently good, but rather that experiencing vulnerability can awaken within us possibilities that, if acted upon, can be salvific. Vulnerability can awaken in us what it is to be the church — the body of Christ in the world. As the body of Christ, we can serve as the pivot of salvation as agents of solidarity and justice for the most vulnerable among us. It is most intriguing to me that Matthew’s Gospel introduces readers to the adult Jesus in the wilderness. His first “scene” is not in Jerusalem or at the Temple but at the margins. This is tremendously symbolic, powerful and suggestive. Jesus stands with vulnerable people who reside in the margins. The Jordan River represented a portal experience in Israel’s history. After the exodus from Egypt and the Hebrews’ wilderness wandering, crossing the Jordan symbolized a passage to the promised land. In the first century, prophets like John baptized people in the Jordan River to reenact this passage in hopes of liberation from the Roman occupation. ... Thanks to this week's writer, Roger Gench. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for January 4, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — January 11, 2026 by Roger Gench What carried the Outlook through 2025 — and what can carry you into 2026 by Presbyterian Outlook  A prayer for courage and hope in the new year by Karie Charlton Our most-read opinions of 2025 by Presbyterian Outlook Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may be the most Christian film of the year by Brendan McLean Born out of national division, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ is a balm for Christmas by Karen Swallow Prior IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... What Americans need to know about Palestinian liberation theology Palestinian Christians have developed one of the most important liberation theologies of our time — and most American churches have never encountered it, writes Christopher Tweel. The top Outlook book recommendations of 2025 Discover the titles that most engaged Presbyterian Outlook readers, from theology and memoir to devotionals and cultural commentary. Meet Jimmy Stewart American actor, military aviator, and Pennsylvania native James Stewart was a born-and-raised Presbyterian. — McKenna Britton Faith for turbulent times: Four new books on Scripture and spiritual formation Seeking grounding in turbulent times? These new releases on Isaiah, resilience and Presbyterian identity offer wisdom, comfort and challenge. — Amy Pagliarella Evangelism in an Age of Despair: Hope Beyond the Failed Promise of Happiness Aaron Pratt Shepherd praises Andrew Root’s "Evangelism in an Age of Despair" as a timely, theologically rich call for the church to reclaim evangelism. Decline of religion remains stalled, says new Pew report. But there’s no revival yet. For the past five years, the decline of religion in America has stalled, after years of decline. — Bob Smietana