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Month: December 2023

Posted on December 30, 2023December 29, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 10 Comments

My Bible Reading Plan for 2024

Here is a weekly Bible reading plan that I developed for my devotional reading.

Posted on December 22, 2023December 21, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence

The Hope of the World: My Sermon on Isaiah 9:2-7 for Christmas Eve

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Long before the shepherds received the angel’s good news of great joy, Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 9:2-7) that a child would be born…

Posted on December 21, 2023December 19, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence

God’s Tender Mercy: A Devotion for Those Feeling Blue this Christmas

[Zechariah said:] “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. Because of the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,…

Posted on December 15, 2023December 14, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Joy Despite Our Sorrow: My Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 for Gaudete Sunday

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 This Third Sunday of Advent has a good old-fashioned church name that I kind of like - it is called “Gaudete Sunday,” gaudete being the Latin name for rejoice. It…

Posted on December 8, 2023December 7, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

Joy Through Repentance: My Sermon on Mark 1:1-8 for the Second Sunday of Advent

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 Well, it’s that time of year to watch all of the many Christmas movies and specials, and it seems like there are more of them every year. Everyone has their favorites, and that’s true for me too.…

Posted on December 7, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

How Is It with Your Soul? My Sermon for our Advent Community Worship Service

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47 I love the question that John Wesley is reported to have frequently asked of those he encountered, which is: How is…

Posted on December 1, 2023November 30, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Getting Our Souls Ready: My Sermon on Mark 13:24-37

[Jesus said]: "Keep alert, for you do now know when the time will come." Mark 13:33 “Keep alert,” Jesus tells us, in today’s gospel reading (Mark 13:24-37). “For you do not know when the time will come.” The time when the Son of Man will be seen coming in clouds with great power and glory.…

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