January 19, 2025
John 2:3 - “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.'"
Behold the faith of Mary: she sees a problem and simply lays it before her Son and Lord: “They have no wine.”
She does not offer a proposed solution, she does not demand, she simply states her need and waits for the Lord’s response. She trusts that the Lord is a giver, and she knows that He always provides.
May such a faith be ours!
LCMS Stewardship Bulletin Sentences
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Online giving continues to be an easy way for many to give. The giving link is located just above this message. You also can use the mobile app, “VANCO MOBILE.”
Isaiah 62:1–5; 1 Corinthians 12:1–11; John 2:1–11
The Divine Glory Is Manifested in the Signs of Christ
When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, it was “the first of his signs” by which He “manifested his glory” (John 2:11). It pointed to His coming “hour,” when He was lifted up on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and the life of the world (John 2:4; 12:23–32).
The glory of the cross is incomprehensible apart from the Word and Spirit of God, but disciples of Jesus recognize that glory in the signs of His Gospel, and so they believe in Him. Jesus does not wait for His disciples to discover Him on their own, but He seeks out the forsaken and the desolate and unites them to Himself. He adorns them with His own beautiful righteousness and delights in them “as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride” (Isaiah. 62:4–5).
Purified by the washing of water with His Word in Holy Baptism, His disciples confess that “Jesus is Lord,” and they return thanks to Him “in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3) as they drink the good wine that He pours out for them, which is the new testament in His blood.
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Second Sunday after the Epiphany – Surprise pregnancies sometimes seem like tidal waves. Terminal diagnoses also often come like thunderstorms. But even among their sufferings, the Lord Jesus exercises ultimate authority and never fails to make wine for us out of water.
The gifts He delivers through each neighbor differ, but the same Spirit works (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) the sanctity of life in them all.
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Divine Service - 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Holy Communion is offered at both services.
Adult Discipleship Class / Children's Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.
Wednesdays in Lent and Advent: 6:30 p.m. Vespers
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