The Second Sunday after Epiphany – January 17, 2026

“Behold,” cries Isaiah, “listen well,
For God has called me forth the truth to tell.”
From distant shores the servant hears his name,
A light to nations set with holy flame.
Though strength seemed spent, though labor felt in vain,
God shaped his life to heal the world’s deep pain.
The One who formed him in the womb declares
That glory rises even through despairs.

The psalmist waits with patience, heart made still;
He trusts the Lord who bends to meet his will.
From miry clay to rock that will not move,
God lifts him up and sets his footsteps smooth.
No sacrifice alone can make us whole,
But open ears and justice shape the soul.
So sings the one whom mercy has made new,
Proclaiming love in all he’s called to do.

Paul greets the saints with grace that will not cease,
A fellowship made strong in Christ’s own peace.
He tells the church at Corinth, “You are blessed,
For God is faithful; in that truth, find rest.”
The gifts you bear are signs of God’s delight,
A witness shining through the deepest night.
And as you wait for Christ to be revealed,
You stand upheld, forgiven, loved, and healed.

Then John cries out, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
And those who hear him follow where he trod.
They ask the teacher where he comes to stay;
He turns with kindness, “Come and see the way.”
And Andrew runs with joy none can contain,
To tell his brother of the One who reigns.
A simple word, a witness shared in love,
Becomes the spark that draws all hearts above.

So too today, when victory fills the air,
We feel the pulse of hope rise everywhere.
A team that fought with heart and steady mind
Reminds us what true courage looks to find.
For every drive that pushed through winter’s cold,
For every play where trust made teammates bold,
We glimpse the truth our scriptures long proclaim:
That light breaks forth when hearts ignite with flame.

And when the crowd erupts in joyful cheer,
We sense the Spirit’s whisper drawing near.
For God delights when people rise as one,
When burdens lift, when weary work is done.
A win won’t save the world or cleanse our sin,
But joy like this can wake the soul within.
It stirs the call to live with purpose true,
To walk in love in all we say and do.

So let this team’s triumph teach us how to live:
With strength to rise, with open hands to give.
With faith that waits, with courage to obey,
With hearts that shine like dawn’s redeeming day.
For Christ still speaks, “Come, follow after me,”
And leads us on with grace that sets us free.
May we, like Andrew, share the news we’ve found,
And spread God’s hope to every life around.

And now we end with words both bright and real,
A blessing shaped by joy our hearts can feel:
In the words of #17 that send us chills,
“Be good. Do good. God bless. Go Bills!”
Amen.