Looking into the lectionary - Why church choirs matter more than we realize

Ephesians 1:3-14 Second Sunday of Christmas January 4, 2026 There was a time when Presbyterians were so well known for one theological doctrine it became an intrinsic part of our personalities. If you told someone you were a Presbyterian, they would respond, “Ah, yes, so you believe in predestination.” But today many of us would scratch our heads and respond, “Predestination? Oh, well, um …” The first Sunday of 2026, might be a good time to rediscover our theology of predestination with the opening chapter of Ephesians. The apostle Paul begins with an extended thanksgiving. Usually in his letters, Paul gives thanks for specific things about the particular congregation to which he is writing. However, the thanksgiving in Ephesians (actually one long sentence in Greek spanning 11 verses) is more cosmic in scale, perhaps even incorporating a traditional Jewish prayer of blessing to talk about the eternal plan and work of God through Jesus Christ. The thanksgiving begins, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.” A theology of predestination, or perhaps more precisely “election,” begins with the affirmation that God has chosen us in Christ. From Scripture’s beginning to its end, we find God choosing. God chooses to call creation into being. God chooses Noah; God chooses Abraham; God chooses Moses; God chooses Deborah; God chooses David; God chooses prophets; God chooses kings; God chooses a people; God chooses Mary. And here in Ephesians, God chooses us. Several years ago, the hit television show “This is Us” followed the Pearson family with intertwining stories from several decades of the family’s life. It began with a young couple, Jack and Rebecca, expecting triplets. Rebecca goes into labor and gives birth to two healthy babies, but unfortunately the third tragically dies. Standing by the nursery, Jack sees an African American child, born on the same day as his children, but left on the doorstep of a fire station. Jack and Rebecca adopt this baby, whom they name Randall, so they bring home three babies from the hospital after all. The stories of this family, past, present, and in between, are moving illustrations of the power of love, the struggles all families face, and the bonds which are far deeper than blood. In a later season, Randall is married to his wife Beth and they have two girls of their own. But Randall believes that they should also adopt a child and so he asks his mother about how she and Jack made the decision to adopt him. Rebecca responds in part, “I said no. But your father was so sure. I was tired and I was grieving and he just kept pushing me. He was so determined that you were meant to be. Meant to be ours. … He pushed a stranger on me, and the stranger became my child and that child became my life. He became you.” That is the doctrine of election. ... Thanks to this week's writer, Matthew A. Rich. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for December 28, 2025? You can find them here. Order of worship — January 4, 2026 by Matthew A. Rich Pittsburgh Presbyterians erase $14 million of families’ medical debts by Mark Roth A prayer for courage and hope in the new year by Karie Charlton Our most-read opinions of 2025 by Presbyterian Outlook Books for church leaders by Amy Pagliarella Why church choirs matter more than we realize by Hunter Steinitz  IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... 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. The Bondi Beach attack confirms our fears about antisemitism. But it tells another story. Among lessons of Bondi Beach is Hanukkah's eternal lesson that there is more light to be found than we imagine. — Brad Hirschfield A blessing for the year to come Walter Canter offers a month-by-month prayer for ordinary frustrations, unexpected joys and the sacred reminders. In Chicago, Faith Leaders Reflect on Legacy Supporting Immigrants’ Rights From sanctuary efforts in the ‘80s to Trump’s latest deportation efforts, Chicago’s faith leaders lean into commitment to immigrants. — Stephen Franklin Got a startup with purpose? Apply now for the 2026 Epiphany Grant Funding, coaching, and navigating a dynamic market are all free as part of this unique opportunity. —  First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta A prayer for Advent: Because Christ has come Teri McDowell Ott invites us to rest in Christ’s tender and healing presence in a weary world. Through Jesus, nothing lies beyond redemption.