Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people — in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls. And that includes us.

It is not just Jesus who can be changed into form that properly embodies a particular inner essence. His followers – we – can be too.

Naming this tension between the world as it is and the world as it should be is the very job of the prophets, including Micah from last Sunday, and Isaiah today.

As we stand before the mountains, looking for a revelation, desperately asking what God requires of us while hearing Jesus proclaim beloved, we are reminded of our call to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly.

Into our new year that was never going to be immediately, magically, remarkably different from last year steps John the Baptist with a testimony.

Our own baptisms mark the truth that we are beloved children of God, right along with Jesus, claimed and chosen, belonging to God’s family.

We have waited, all Advent long, for Christ's coming. And now, in the season of Epiphany, we seek his presence and call in each of our lives - and our communal life, too.

December 28, 2025 Psalm 148; John 1:1-5 Cove Presbyterian Church Bulletin Featured image: Through Him, All Things by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman Inspired by John 1:1-14 | Block print with oil-based ink over gouache painting