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This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached for a Blue Christmas service on December 18, 2022. The gospel reading I preached on was John 1:1-14. You can watch the service here. The gospel reading and sermon begin around 14:30. I think there are at least two sides to Christmas. One of them … Continue reading Finding the Light of Christmas (Blue Christmas Sermon)
For my personal Advent devotions this year, I've been reading the book Wounded in Spirit: Advent Art and Meditations by David Bannon. Each day of Advent is devoted to a visual artist, usually a painter. Two or three of the artist's works are shared in full color, and an accompaning essay (or meditation) tells the … Continue reading Advent Blue
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached on the Second Sunday of Advent, December 4, 2022. The gospel reading was Matthew 3:1-12. To view this sermon on YouTube, click here for the whole service (the gospel begins at 20:29, followed by the sermon). Before we talk about today’s gospel reading, I want … Continue reading On Podcasts and Repentance (Sermon)
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached today, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The gospel text I used was not the standard one. I used the whole story of the angel Gabriel , Luke 1:8-19, 26-38; 2:8-13a. I preached in character, as the angel Gabriel speaking to a crowd of his fellow … Continue reading Gabriel’s Story (Sermon)
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning, the Third Sunday of Advent. I used alternates texts to what was assigned; the gospel text was Luke 1:39-55., the story of the Visitation. In the little town of NazarethShe was waiting for her wedding dayShe was nervous, excited, apprehensiveShe wondered what would … Continue reading Bearing Emmanuel (Sermon)
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning, December 5, 2021, the Second Sunday of Advent. I used alternate readings; this sermon is based on Luke 2:8-20. If you are a parent, think back to when your children were born. Who were the first people you told? How did you share … Continue reading Waiting with the Shepherds (Sermon)
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached on the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021. The texts I preached on were not the usual texts of the day. Rather, they were Luke 1:67-79 and Matthew 2:1-12. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people … Continue reading The Tender Mercies (Sermon)
This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached this morning, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The gospel text was Matthew 1:18-25. That is the entire Christmas story according to Matthew. It’s a little different than we’re used to, isn’t it? The story that we’ll hear on Tuesday night is the one Luke tells, … Continue reading Naming God’s Presence (Sermon)
This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached this morning, the First Sunday of Advent. The gospel text was Matthew 24:36-44. Oh boy oh boy oh boy. It’s Advent! And we all know what Advent means. Advent is a season of waiting, and we all know what we’re waiting for. The baby Jesus! … Continue reading The Most Wonderful Time (Sermon)
I must say this. I have to take a stand. As a Christian in this nation, I am increasingly upset every year. Each December, as I make my way through streets and stores, I hear holiday greetings. But never, never do I hear the name of the holiday I am celebrating. It's sickening. Oh sure, … Continue reading Merry Christmas? Bah!
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