Lesson Plans: Epiphany 1 (B)

Sunday between January 7 and January 13

Old Testament Lesson Plans: Light and Dark

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5

The story of the first day of creation is powerful and creative. We consider what the world was like before God called forth the light. We explore the difference that light makes in our world. We give thanks to God for the gift of light.

New Testament Lesson Plans: Receiving the Gift and Offering the Gift

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

The baby Jesus is now a man; a man beginning his ministry. Perhaps he is still trying to sort out in his mind what he is being called to do. He looks for validation and turns to his cousin, John. John, meanwhile, has been faithfully calling people to prepare, turn around, start over. He is pretty sure he will recognize Jesus, but he has not yet met him. When Jesus shows up, John goes into the water with him to baptize him, and both of them hear a voice from heaven. Jesus now knows he will be able to figure out what it is that he is being called to do.