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Second Sunday after Christmas • Year A
January 4, 2026
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Historical Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son, we might be made to abound in good works. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Liturgy, 1894)
Thematic Collect
God of Majesty, may your Spirit provoke us to follow your Son in all obedience and humility, growing in spiritual wisdom and maturity so that through us, all creation will come to know the praise of your glory; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one Lord, now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
Devotion to God’s Word is difficult to maintain. Human nature gets in the way of sustained dedication. “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt 26:41). Our piety ebbs and flows, so we must depend upon a higher power than our own. Christ has blessed us with every spiritual blessing; it is not our piety that has been the blessing. So we must sit at the feet of the one who himself sat at the feet of others. We grow in wisdom and stature by listening to him (Luke 9:35).
First Reading • 1 Kings 3:4–15
It must have been daunting for Solomon to follow in David’s steps. He considered himself a child in comparison to his father’s leadership. Because he did not trust his ability to govern, he asked God for an understanding mind so that he would be a king. He was particularly interested in discerning between good and evil. Considering the “spin” that is put on political matters, it was a wide request which God honored, adding riches and honor as well.
Psalm • Psalm 119:97–104
We too may ask God for a heart of wisdom. He has given us the way to wise understanding through his word. As we meditate on God’s word, we gain understanding that may surpass our teachers. If we meditate upon Scripture day and night, we are made wiser than our enemies and our feet are kept from walking in the way of sinners (Psa 1:1).
Second Reading • Ephesians 1:3–14
In Christ, God has blessed us us with spiritual blessings and made known to us the mystery of his will. As sons and daughters of the King, we like Solomon before us, are afforded great wisdom. The wisdom our Father has given us is a knowledge of the word of truth, the good news of salvation, his plan for the fullness of time.
Gospel • Luke 2:40–52
Most twelve-year-olds, if left to themselves, would soon enough find themselves in some sort of mischief. Yet, Jesus was left to himself for two days and when found by his parents, he was in the temple, learning from the teachers. Although the rabbis were amazed at his intelligence and ability to comprehend, he continued to increase in wisdom. Nonetheless, even at this young age, he was already able to have thoughtful dialogue with the best teachers in Jerusalem.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
