First Reading

Detail from Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's
Commentary on Isaiah 60:1-6

Isaiah 60:1–6 resonates strongly with Epiphany’s theme of the manifestation of Jesus as the light [...]

Photo of candle light in the darkness
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:7-14

The origins of the phrase “afflict the comfortable and comfort [...]

The birth of Jesus with shepherds
Commentary on Isaiah 62:6-12

This Christmas, many Christians feel hopeless. Military violence, political strife, and environmental disasters have made [...]

Photo of one match lighting another in the dark
Commentary on Isaiah 52:7-10

Isaiah 52:7–10 marks the climax of Isaiah 40–55 (frequently designated “Second Isaiah”). Decades after Babylon [...]

Detail from
Commentary on Isaiah 9:2-7

Isaiah 9:2–7 is a familiar text for Christians because of its association with the birth [...]

Detail from
Commentary on Micah 5:2-5a

The prophet Micah was active during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history.1 According to the [...]

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Commentary on Zephaniah 3:14-20

What would happen if God interrupted us?1 What if God [...]

Detail from Bartholomeus Breenbergh's
Commentary on Malachi 3:1-4

Who can endure the day of his coming?1 The prophet Malachi raises a disturbing question [...]

photo of fig leaves
Commentary on Jeremiah 33:14-16

In all three years of the Revised Common Lectionary, the [...]

Nikolai Ge,
Commentary on Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

“In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel [...]