Christmas – My Pastoral Ponderings

Posted on December 23, 2022December 22, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

A Child Born for Us: My Sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for Christmas Eve

It is good news of great joy for all: A child is born for us, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Here is my sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for Christmas Eve.

Posted on December 16, 2022December 15, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

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.

Posted on December 24, 2021December 23, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

The Light that Shines on All Our World: My Christmas Eve Sermon on Isaiah 9:2-7

Jesus is the light that shines on us all. Our wonderful counselor who is a mighty God; our everlasting Father who is the prince of peace. Here is my Christmas Eve sermon on Isaiah 9:2-7.

Posted on December 26, 2020December 16, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Martin Luther on the Meaning of Christmas

"Do not make Mary of stone," Martin Luther said to his congregation in a famous Christmas sermon. Here is a portion of that inspiring sermon.

Posted on December 24, 2020July 1, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Christmas, Then and Always

Posted on December 23, 2020December 23, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Christmas Eve Sermon for Those at Church

What does Christmas mean for those worshiping at church, but in ways limited by this pandemic? The same as it has always meant, and more. Here is my sermon for those able to worship in person with us this Christmas Eve.

Posted on December 22, 2020December 21, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

Christmas Eve Sermon for Those at Home

What does Christmas mean for those worshiping at home this year? The same as it has always meant, and more. Here is my sermon for our online Christmas Eve Service.

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 9 Comments

He Did Not Wait Till the Word Was Ready

Here are two poems by Madeleine L'Engle to share with you for Christmas as part of my ongoing series of "Poems, Prayers, Psalms, and Promises."

Posted on December 19, 2020December 17, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Learning from Mary When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

When life doesn't go as planned, we can learn from Mary how to respond faithfully. Here is my sermon on the Annunciation, Luke 1:26-38.

Posted on December 18, 2020January 4, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 12 Comments

A Child at Christmas

I thought I'd try something new on this blog and share some of my favorite quotes. Here is a great quote from Charles Dickens, and a favorite picture of mine from my first child's first Christmas.