December 28, 2025
First Sunday after Christmas___________________________________________
John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Through all of our hardships, all of our sorrows, all of our pains and loneliness, Jesus’ light shines in the darkness, and we are not overcome. In the face of our sin, in the midst of our pettiness, against all our pride, Jesus’ light shines and illuminates our hearts and changes us, day by day, into a greater reflection of His likeness.
LCMS Stewardship Bulletin Sentences
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First Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 63:7–14; Galatians 4:4–7; Matthew 2:13–23
The Lord Jesus Undergoes a New Exodus in Order to Save His People from Their Sins
Herod’s efforts to destroy the little Lord Jesus anticipate the cross for which He was born. In response to Herod’s edict, Joseph must “take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt” (Matthew 2:13).
But the Lord does not abandon the Holy Family there. He brings about salvation for all people, just as He “had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’” (Matthew 2:15). With might and strength, God accompanies His people, causing “his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses” (Isaiah 63:12).
Now through Jesus, even our afflictions are borne by Christ on the cross. “He redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them” (Isaiah 63:9). All of this is accomplished by God’s might so that we, too, are claimed as members of His family. For we “receive adoption as sons” in the only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, even as He became like us by His conception and birth of the woman. Thus redeemed by Christ, no longer slaves of sin and death but beloved children and heirs of God, we pray in Jesus’ name: “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:4–6).
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Life Thoughts for the Week
First Sunday after Christmas — Look back at how God changed you. Look ahead to what God promises for you. The future looks bright when you’re connected to the crucified and risen Lord Jesus.
May the Lord continue to strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life.
Rev. Peter Sulzle, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Redwood Falls, Minnesota – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
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