Feast of Epiphany – January 6, 2026
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 
- Ephesians 3:6 –
In the book “Balls of Fire,” Stefan Kanfer tells the story of Lucille Ball, the beautiful and prolific television actress. Kanfer described Lucille as “a 68-inch actress, not a 68-foot actress.” Though she was extremely popular on television, she was never able to find success in the movies. She was such a natural in front of the cameras that she was expected to do well. Though she tried to make the transition to the big screen, she was at her best in the intimacy of the small screen. No matter how hard she tried, she could not learn how to be good in the movies; some things just can’t be learned.
Faith can’t be learned. It is impossible for us to believe in Jesus if there is nothing outside ourselves calling us to that relationship. It is by God’s grace that we know his love and pass on the wonderful message of the Gospel. As we share the message of Christ with others, the Holy Spirit has the power create and build a relationship of faith with our neighbors as well.
God knew from the beginning of time the things that would occur in and through his people. He was planning for our salvation even before we were born. When the time was right, Christ broke through into this world to reveal something new. God reached out beyond the Israelites and revealed the promise to all people. Israel will always have a special place in his heart, but they were blessed to be a blessing to the rest of the world. They were blessed to reveal God’s salvation to all.
In the Epiphany story we see the full revelation of Christ to the world. The gifts of the magi are signs of his purpose. He came to be priest to all, to die for all, and to rule eternally as King over all. Frankincense is the sign of the priest, myrrh anoints the dead, and gold is a tribute to the power and authority of a king. The magi studied the prophecies, but it wasn’t until they were called by the light of the star above themselves that they could follow in faith to offer their gifts. The promises and prophecies of God’s Messiah were revealed even to the Gentiles and fulfilled in the life of the baby Jesus. And so it is for you as well!
Feast of Epiphany – January 6, 2026
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 
- Ephesians 3:6 –
In the book “Balls of Fire,” Stefan Kanfer tells the story of Lucille Ball, the beautiful and prolific television actress. Kanfer described Lucille as “a 68-inch actress, not a 68-foot actress.” Though she was extremely popular on television, she was never able to find success in the movies. She was such a natural in front of the cameras that she was expected to do well. Though she tried to make the transition to the big screen, she was at her best in the intimacy of the small screen. No matter how hard she tried, she could not learn how to be good in the movies; some things just can’t be learned.
Faith can’t be learned. It is impossible for us to believe in Jesus if there is nothing outside ourselves calling us to that relationship. It is by God’s grace that we know his love and pass on the wonderful message of the Gospel. As we share the message of Christ with others, the Holy Spirit has the power create and build a relationship of faith with our neighbors as well.
God knew from the beginning of time the things that would occur in and through his people. He was planning for our salvation even before we were born. When the time was right, Christ broke through into this world to reveal something new. God reached out beyond the Israelites and revealed the promise to all people. Israel will always have a special place in his heart, but they were blessed to be a blessing to the rest of the world. They were blessed to reveal God’s salvation to all. 
In the Epiphany story we see the full revelation of Christ to the world. The gifts of the magi are signs of his purpose. He came to be priest to all, to die for all, and to rule eternally as King over all. Frankincense is the sign of the priest, myrrh anoints the dead, and gold is a tribute to the power and authority of a king. The magi studied the prophecies, but it wasn’t until they were called by the light of the star above themselves that they could follow in faith to offer their gifts. The promises and prophecies of God’s Messiah were revealed even to the Gentiles and fulfilled in the life of the baby Jesus. And so it is for you as well!
Baptism of Our Lord – January 11, 2026
“...and behold, a voice from heaven said,
‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”
- Matthew 3:17 -
God has a voice. John writes in his gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). As we look back at the beginning, we see the Spirit hovering over the formless and empty earth. The first manifestation of God’s presence was his voice. “And God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis 1:3). God spoke and there was light. God spoke again and created the heavens and the earth. He spoke, and there was life.
Then, he spoke to us: first to Adam and Eve, then to Noah, the patriarchs, judges, kings and prophets. And he spoke through human beings, putting his voice in their mouths. It wasn’t enough. We didn’t listen. We listened to the wrong voices. We went our own way. But at the right time God sent his Son, the Word incarnate, to bring salvation and peace to his people. God’s voice was given flesh in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Jesus did not come in his majesty and divine glory, but took upon himself the very nature of man. At his baptism, Jesus identified fully with us; the purpose of his life was to take on sin and destroy it forever. He came to bridge the divide between God and man so we can live in harmony with God and one another. The Spirit of God again hovered over the formless and empty earth: He spoke, and there was Light. Jesus Christ was anointed with the power to change the world, to restore our relationship with our Father.
Jesus is God’s Son, but he is also fully human, the living Word in flesh. At the Jordan, God assured Jesus that he was doing what he was sent to do with the words, “You are my beloved.” He has spoken the same words to us in Baptism, giving us the assurance that we, too, are now his children. 
Martin Luther encouraged Christians to remember their Baptism often. In his Small Catechism, Luther wrote that when we get out of bed in the morning and when we go to bed at night we should make the sign of the cross and say, “Under the care of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.” These words about our baptism will remind us that God is always with us, so that we can live as we have been called to live.
Baptism of Our Lord – January 11, 2026
“...and behold, a voice from heaven said,
‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”
- Matthew 3:17 -
God has a voice. John writes in his gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). As we look back at the beginning, we see the Spirit hovering over the formless and empty earth. The first manifestation of God’s presence was his voice. “And God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis 1:3). God spoke and there was light. God spoke again and created the heavens and the earth. He spoke, and there was life.
Then, he spoke to us: first to Adam and Eve, then to Noah, the patriarchs, judges, kings and prophets. And he spoke through human beings, putting his voice in their mouths. It wasn’t enough. We didn’t listen. We listened to the wrong voices. We went our own way. But at the right time God sent his Son, the Word incarnate, to bring salvation and peace to his people. God’s voice was given flesh in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Jesus did not come in his majesty and divine glory, but took upon himself the very nature of man. At his baptism, Jesus identified fully with us; the purpose of his life was to take on sin and destroy it forever. He came to bridge the divide between God and man so we can live in harmony with God and one another. The Spirit of God again hovered over the formless and empty earth: He spoke, and there was Light. Jesus Christ was anointed with the power to change the world, to restore our relationship with our Father.
Jesus is God’s Son, but he is also fully human, the living Word in flesh. At the Jordan, God assured Jesus that he was doing what he was sent to do with the words, “You are my beloved.” He has spoken the same words to us in Baptism, giving us the assurance that we, too, are now his children. 
Martin Luther encouraged Christians to remember their Baptism often. In his Small Catechism, Luther wrote that when we get out of bed in the morning and when we go to bed at night we should make the sign of the cross and say, “Under the care of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.” These words about our baptism will remind us that God is always with us, so that we can live as we have been called to live.

Epiphany 2 – January 18, 2026
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”
- Psalm 40:2 -
The playground had a big sandbox. One day the sandbox was filled with rainwater. The teachers knew that it would be messy, but allowed the children to play in the sand anyway. The children were clothed in smocks to keep them clean and were encouraged to play nicely. It worked well for a while; some muddy water fell on skin and smocks with the occasional slip of a shovel, but it could easily be washed with soap and water. Eventually the children became wild. The splashing stopped being accidental; some became greedy and vengeful and threw mud on the other children.
The teachers tried to be peacemakers, speaking with firm, kind voices about proper behavior, but it didn’t work. They had to get right into the middle of it all to stop it with action rather than words. The sandboxes were closed. The children were cleaned and the extremely dirty ones were given clean clothes. 
We are like those children. Our toys are different, and the mud we sling is not made with sand and water. We are selfish and vengeful. We will do anything to get our way, no matter who gets hurt in the process. Unfortunately, spiritual mud is not so easy to clean. We are wallowing in the mud of sin and death, and the consequences can be eternal. We don’t always see how our self-centeredness affects others, but our neighbors are harmed by our behavior. The consequence of sin is never limited to us; it affects others to some degree. 
The psalmist speaks as a child of God who has realized his own sinfulness. He cries out for the saving grace that will save him from his sin. God is the peacemaker. He is the teacher that speaks to those who will not hear. Like the children who did not see how their play was harming others, the world does not recognize its sin and need of a Savior. But Jesus enters in, nevertheless. Jesus was willing to “get his hands dirty” in the cross to make things right for us. He lifted us out of the mud, and by his own blood, he made us clean. In Christ, we are clothed with something new: His righteousness, without a spot or blemish.
Epiphany 2 – January 18, 2026
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”
- Psalm 40:2 -
The playground had a big sandbox. One day the sandbox was filled with rainwater. The teachers knew that it would be messy, but allowed the children to play in the sand anyway. The children were clothed in smocks to keep them clean and were encouraged to play nicely. It worked well for a while; some muddy water fell on skin and smocks with the occasional slip of a shovel, but it could easily be washed with soap and water. Eventually the children became wild. The splashing stopped being accidental; some became greedy and vengeful and threw mud on the other children.
The teachers tried to be peacemakers, speaking with firm, kind voices about proper behavior, but it didn’t work. They had to get right into the middle of it all to stop it with action rather than words. The sandboxes were closed. The children were cleaned and the extremely dirty ones were given clean clothes. 
We are like those children. Our toys are different, and the mud we sling is not made with sand and water. We are selfish and vengeful. We will do anything to get our way, no matter who gets hurt in the process. Unfortunately, spiritual mud is not so easy to clean. We are wallowing in the mud of sin and death, and the consequences can be eternal. We don’t always see how our self-centeredness affects others, but our neighbors are harmed by our behavior. The consequence of sin is never limited to us; it affects others to some degree. 
The psalmist speaks as a child of God who has realized his own sinfulness. He cries out for the saving grace that will save him from his sin. God is the peacemaker. He is the teacher that speaks to those who will not hear. Like the children who did not see how their play was harming others, the world does not recognize its sin and need of a Savior. But Jesus enters in, nevertheless. Jesus was willing to “get his hands dirty” in the cross to make things right for us. He lifted us out of the mud, and by his own blood, he made us clean. In Christ, we are clothed with something new: His righteousness, without a spot or blemish.

Epiphany 3 – January 25, 2026
“I thank God that I baptized none of you, save Crispus and Gaius … .”
- 1 Corinthians 1:14 -
Doesn’t it seem odd that Paul would make such a bold proclamation? After all, the Great Commission is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In our day, there are evangelists and preachers who boast about how many they’ve saved, yet Paul points out how few he baptized. This isn’t just a matter of false humility; for Paul, it was a reminder of the power and authority by which we all are saved. 
Paul always put the focus on what mattered most: the work of Christ. What mattered was the Gospel and the power of God — not the person performing the baptism or the person who was preaching. All too often our ministry becomes about the people and their gifts rather than the One who has made it possible. Paul admits he did not speak eloquently, but how many times do we follow someone because he or she is well-spoken and charismatic? We think there is more power to the words when the person speaking is educated and articulate, but even the devil can make a twisted lie sound true. 
The Jews believed that they were made right with God by their acts of worship, by their sacrifices and their offerings. The Gentiles felt there was no need to be made right because they were good by nature. Unfortunately, many today still believe that righteousness is either earned or innate. But even in this great weakness there is hope, for Christ came to save us from ourselves. 
That is why Paul brought the focus of the Corinthians back to the work of Christ. The truth is, Paul, Apollos and Cephas (Peter) were, no doubt, great preachers. They were well-spoken and charismatic. They were sincere and articulate. But that doesn’t matter. In the end, it was never about them. Christ himself is the one in whom we are saved. 
To believe that the Son of God came to die so that we might be forgiven, is to die to ourselves and our own merits, and instead to trust that Christ alone is the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) in our lives!
Epiphany 3 – January 25, 2026
“I thank God that I baptized none of you, save Crispus and Gaius … .”
- 1 Corinthians 1:14 -
Doesn’t it seem odd that Paul would make such a bold proclamation? After all, the Great Commission is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In our day, there are evangelists and preachers who boast about how many they’ve saved, yet Paul points out how few he baptized. This isn’t just a matter of false humility; for Paul, it was a reminder of the power and authority by which we all are saved. 
Paul always put the focus on what mattered most: the work of Christ. What mattered was the Gospel and the power of God — not the person performing the baptism or the person who was preaching. All too often our ministry becomes about the people and their gifts rather than the One who has made it possible. Paul admits he did not speak eloquently, but how many times do we follow someone because he or she is well-spoken and charismatic? We think there is more power to the words when the person speaking is educated and articulate, but even the devil can make a twisted lie sound true. 
The Jews believed that they were made right with God by their acts of worship, by their sacrifices and their offerings. The Gentiles felt there was no need to be made right because they were good by nature. Unfortunately, many today still believe that righteousness is either earned or innate. But even in this great weakness there is hope, for Christ came to save us from ourselves. 
That is why Paul brought the focus of the Corinthians back to the work of Christ. The truth is, Paul, Apollos and Cephas (Peter) were, no doubt, great preachers. They were well-spoken and charismatic. They were sincere and articulate. But that doesn’t matter. In the end, it was never about them. Christ himself is the one in whom we are saved. 
To believe that the Son of God came to die so that we might be forgiven, is to die to ourselves and our own merits, and instead to trust that Christ alone is the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) in our lives!

Epiphany 4 – February 1, 2026
“Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you,
and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
- Matthew 5:11 –
Penn and Teller are amazing magicians. Though other magicians do more spectacular feats, this pair can leave you scratching your head and asking, “How did they do that?” One thing they are known for is revealing the secret behind their tricks, without giving away the mystery and the magic of their performance.
One time they did a skit on the show “Saturday Night Live.” They made tissue ghosts fly in the air and appear to levitate above their heads. It seemed so simple, but it was impossible to figure out how they did it. After several minutes of these dancing and flying tissue ghosts, the camera pulled back to reveal that Penn and Teller had been hanging upside down. There was no magic involved; they were simply dropping the ghosts to the floor or had them hanging on strings. The trick was ruined by their revelation, but the real wonder came in how they could pull it off with no one noticing. 
This kind of twist is often found in the Scriptures as well. For example, the Beatitudes in today’s lesson are beloved and well-known verses to most Christians, especially those who have experienced some sort of suffering. We want to think that we will find some reward for our suffering through our faith in God, and we want to see God’s blessings poured on those who are poor in spirit, in mourning, meek, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and persecuted — because they have experienced these things. 
But let’s pull back the camera and look at this from a new perspective. What if the suffering actually is the blessing? The stories of the saints show us that faith in Christ does not always bring happiness, prosperity or peace. 
Have you ever noticed how those moments of suffering offer us the greatest opportunities to be witnesses for the grace of God? The world sees the kingdom of heaven through our response to our suffering and how we rely on the comfort and mercy of God. We look on the surface for the blessing but the reality is that blessedness is from God — no matter the circumstances. Do not be surprised when this is what God does for you.
Epiphany 4 – February 1, 2026
“Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you,
and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
- Matthew 5:11 –
Penn and Teller are amazing magicians. Though other magicians do more spectacular feats, this pair can leave you scratching your head and asking, “How did they do that?” One thing they are known for is revealing the secret behind their tricks, without giving away the mystery and the magic of their performance.
One time they did a skit on the show “Saturday Night Live.” They made tissue ghosts fly in the air and appear to levitate above their heads. It seemed so simple, but it was impossible to figure out how they did it. After several minutes of these dancing and flying tissue ghosts, the camera pulled back to reveal that Penn and Teller had been hanging upside down. There was no magic involved; they were simply dropping the ghosts to the floor or had them hanging on strings. The trick was ruined by their revelation, but the real wonder came in how they could pull it off with no one noticing. 
This kind of twist is often found in the Scriptures as well. For example, the Beatitudes in today’s lesson are beloved and well-known verses to most Christians, especially those who have experienced some sort of suffering. We want to think that we will find some reward for our suffering through our faith in God, and we want to see God’s blessings poured on those who are poor in spirit, in mourning, meek, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and persecuted — because they have experienced these things. 
But let’s pull back the camera and look at this from a new perspective. What if the suffering actually is the blessing? The stories of the saints show us that faith in Christ does not always bring happiness, prosperity or peace. 
Have you ever noticed how those moments of suffering offer us the greatest opportunities to be witnesses for the grace of God? The world sees the kingdom of heaven through our response to our suffering and how we rely on the comfort and mercy of God. We look on the surface for the blessing but the reality is that blessedness is from God — no matter the circumstances. Do not be surprised when this is what God does for you.
Epiphany 5 – February 8, 2026
“And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by
the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 –
It is not unusual for Christians to try to convince non-Christians to believe in Jesus with the threat of impending doom. Books and other media focus on the end of the world. We think that if our neighbors can’t believe in God for all the good things he has done, then perhaps they can be frightened into faith. We should know this doesn’t work, because it is not the way it happened for us.
A motorist was driving in the country when he came upon a priest and a rabbi standing on the shoulder of the road, fishing. Next to them was a sign: “Turn around. The end is near.” The motorist didn’t like to be preached to, so he rolled down the window and yelled, “Mind your own business, you religious nuts!” A few seconds later the two fishermen heard tires screech, then a splash. The rabbi turned to the priest and said, “I told you we should’ve just written, ‘Bridge Out.’” 
The motorist saw two religious men and quickly rejected their advice. The motorist assumed the sign meant that the end of the world is near. It is no wonder that the man thought it was unreasonable; religious people have been preaching the end of the world for two thousand years. Such a message often seems nothing but foolishness; it is unreasonable to many who hear. 
Many in Jesus’ day thought he was preaching a foolish message. But it wasn’t the teachings of Jesus that saved those who came to faith, is was Jesus himself. It was the Living Word, in flesh and blood, that took strangers by the hand and made them disciples. It was Christ, present among them, who freed people from their bondage and gave them new life.
There are many who still reject the Gospel today. Because the message of the cross is foolishness to those who do not believe, they cannot be argued or threatened into faith. But that does not stop Jesus. He came to give his life on the cross to set us free, even in the midst of our rejection. Even we who strive to live as disciples must confess that neither fear nor logic are the Savior of our lives, but Christ alone in whom we trust and believe.
Epiphany 5 – February 8, 2026
“And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by
the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 –
It is not unusual for Christians to try to convince non-Christians to believe in Jesus with the threat of impending doom. Books and other media focus on the end of the world. We think that if our neighbors can’t believe in God for all the good things he has done, then perhaps they can be frightened into faith. We should know this doesn’t work, because it is not the way it happened for us.
A motorist was driving in the country when he came upon a priest and a rabbi standing on the shoulder of the road, fishing. Next to them was a sign: “Turn around. The end is near.” The motorist didn’t like to be preached to, so he rolled down the window and yelled, “Mind your own business, you religious nuts!” A few seconds later the two fishermen heard tires screech, then a splash. The rabbi turned to the priest and said, “I told you we should’ve just written, ‘Bridge Out.’” 
The motorist saw two religious men and quickly rejected their advice. The motorist assumed the sign meant that the end of the world is near. It is no wonder that the man thought it was unreasonable; religious people have been preaching the end of the world for two thousand years. Such a message often seems nothing but foolishness; it is unreasonable to many who hear. 
Many in Jesus’ day thought he was preaching a foolish message. But it wasn’t the teachings of Jesus that saved those who came to faith, is was Jesus himself. It was the Living Word, in flesh and blood, that took strangers by the hand and made them disciples. It was Christ, present among them, who freed people from their bondage and gave them new life.
There are many who still reject the Gospel today. Because the message of the cross is foolishness to those who do not believe, they cannot be argued or threatened into faith. But that does not stop Jesus. He came to give his life on the cross to set us free, even in the midst of our rejection. Even we who strive to live as disciples must confess that neither fear nor logic are the Savior of our lives, but Christ alone in whom we trust and believe.  
Transfiguration of Our Lord – February 15, 2026
“Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire
on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.”
- Exodus 34:17 –
Imagine what it must have been like at the foot of the mountain when Moses went to talk with God. The Hebrews did not know the God of their forefathers very well after four hundred years in Egypt. They saw divine reward in every good thing and divine wrath in every natural occurrence. It must have been frightening to see the fiery cloud descend down the mountain as Moses was climbing up. Was it a bad sign? Was Moses going to be safe? What did the fire mean? Would this God really save them?
In a very different time and place, on August 23rd, 79 AD, the Roman people celebrated Volcanalia, a festival honoring the Roman god Volcanus. The festival was meant to placate the god so that the people would be blessed by him. The people began August 24th with a sense of assurance because they had just offered sacrifices to Volcanus. But it was on this particular day in history that day Mt. Vesuvius erupted. The Roman city of Pompeii was buried under ash in a matter of hours, trapping the people and their environment in that moment for eternity.
Luther tells us in the Catechism that we should “fear and love and trust God above all things.” It doesn’t take long for us to turn away from the one true God. Sometimes it is fear itself that works against love and trust.
Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. “How could Moses survive in that fiery cloud?” the people asked. So they sought comfort from the gods they knew. The people forgot the God who led them out of Egypt, and by the time Moses returned they were worshipping an idol of gold. It was then they discovered what true fear meant!
When it comes to our trust in God, the tension between fear and love cannot be done away with by us; it is resolved only in Christ. Just as on the day of Transfiguration, there are times in our lives when the terrible cloud will descend on us. But we have the promise: Christ himself is with us. The One who reveals himself in frightening glory is the same One who has called us by name in love. He walks with us on the brightest mountaintop as well as in the darkest valley.
Transfiguration of Our Lord – February 15, 2026
“Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire
on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.”
- Exodus 34:17 –
Imagine what it must have been like at the foot of the mountain when Moses went to talk with God. The Hebrews did not know the God of their forefathers very well after four hundred years in Egypt. They saw divine reward in every good thing and divine wrath in every natural occurrence. It must have been frightening to see the fiery cloud descend down the mountain as Moses was climbing up. Was it a bad sign? Was Moses going to be safe? What did the fire mean? Would this God really save them?
In a very different time and place, on August 23rd, 79 AD, the Roman people celebrated Volcanalia, a festival honoring the Roman god Volcanus. The festival was meant to placate the god so that the people would be blessed by him. The people began August 24th with a sense of assurance because they had just offered sacrifices to Volcanus. But it was on this particular day in history that day Mt. Vesuvius erupted. The Roman city of Pompeii was buried under ash in a matter of hours, trapping the people and their environment in that moment for eternity.
Luther tells us in the Catechism that we should “fear and love and trust God above all things.” It doesn’t take long for us to turn away from the one true God. Sometimes it is fear itself that works against love and trust.
Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. “How could Moses survive in that fiery cloud?” the people asked. So they sought comfort from the gods they knew. The people forgot the God who led them out of Egypt, and by the time Moses returned they were worshipping an idol of gold. It was then they discovered what true fear meant!
When it comes to our trust in God, the tension between fear and love cannot be done away with by us; it is resolved only in Christ. Just as on the day of Transfiguration, there are times in our lives when the terrible cloud will descend on us. But we have the promise: Christ himself is with us. The One who reveals himself in frightening glory is the same One who has called us by name in love. He walks with us on the brightest mountaintop as well as in the darkest valley.