[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,…
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…
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.…
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…
To Be with Us: My Sermon on Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus teaches us at least three things: The surprise of Christmas, the gift of Christmas, and the mission of Christmas. Here is my sermon on Matthew 1:18-25 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Praying with John the Baptist: My Sermon on Matthew 11:2-11
Praying with John the Baptist: My sermon on Matthew 11:2-11 for the Third Sunday of Advent.
Prepare the Way: My Sermon on Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared ... Matthew 3:1 The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Advent (Matthew 3:1-12) offers one of my favorite Christmas-time traditions: Our annual visit from John the Baptist. Every year, on the Second Sunday in Advent, our gospel reading features this remarkable prophet, whose sole task in life…
About that Day and Hour: My Sermon on Matthew 24:36-44 for the First Sunday of Advent
About that day and hour no one knows: My Sermon on Matthew 24:36-44 for the First Sunday of Advent
Singing Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis: A Reflection on Luke 2:29-32
Simeon's Nunc Dimittis is a powerful song of trust and praise, and one of the original songs of Christmas. Here is a reflection on this canticle that I will be sharing at our Advent Vespers Service.
The Light that Brings Us Mercy and Peace
I have been blessed with the opportunity to contribute some devotions to a wonderful new devotional app, "Good Ground." Here is my devotion that was shared December 19th.