Lection: Isaiah 62

January 19, 2025

Isaiah 62:1-5
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
John 2:1-11

“Love is Stronger than Death”

Marriage is the theme that connects the Scripture readings suggested in the lectionary for today. We just heard the well-known story of Jesus’ first miracle according to the Gospel of John, in which he turns water into wine to keep the celebration going at a wedding in Cana.

Before that, we joined in the song of the Psalmist who praised God for God’s faithfulness and steadfast love for God’s people. And we heard the prophet Isaiah’s description of God as a loving spouse who makes vows, delights in their partner, lives in faithfulness, and never abandons God’s beloved people.

A couple of weeks ago, I outlined the marriage theme in the readings for our Music Director, Chloe Golden, and she selected the lovely song she sang for us as the Ministry of Music today. As I mentioned to the children, the song is based on a verse from the “Song of Solomon” or the “Song of Songs” as it is sometimes called. It’s part of a passage that is often chosen for one of the readings at weddings.

You should know that the “Song of Solomon” is a poetic book about a couple’s relationship. … Read more »

January 20, 2013

Isaiah 62:1-5
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

“One Family of Faith”

I’ve been looking forward to this week with great anticipation. Some people count down the days until Christmas. Some people count down the days until their birthdays. But I’ve been counting down the days until the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and I am so pleased that it has finally arrived once again.

It’s a typical third week of January in Saskatchewan, bitterly cold outside. But inside the churches of Saskatoon there is a great warmth, not only because the furnaces and boilers are working overtime, but because Christians of all backgrounds and denominations are gathering to pray, to sing, to share food and fellowship, and to celebrate together as one family of God.

Some of you come from large families and know what it’s like to go to a big family reunion. Family reunions can be great celebrations, and they can be tricky to plan. As the family has grown, people have moved in different directions. They’ve spread out across the country or even the world. They’ve left behind some family traditions and created new ones. They’ve joined together with other families and blended cultures and ways of life.

So when you get the … Read more »