My Pastoral Ponderings

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Tag: Christmas

Posted on December 26, 2020December 28, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 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, 2020December 24, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Christmas, Then and Always

Christmas, Then and Always Past and future come together this night, Forgotten, forgiven, by Love's pure light, Bowing before this loved, unknown stranger, Wrapped now in cloth, asleep in the manger. A promise fulfilled, for all who feel lost, Sin’s firm grip to be unbound by the cross. God's beloved Son, begotten before time, Now…

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 · 8 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.

Posted on December 15, 2020December 16, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

A Bleak Midwinter No Longer

In this bleak midwinter in which we find ourselves, I thought I would share a few reflections inspired by this beautiful poem and beloved Christmas carol, "In the Bleak Midwinter."

Posted on December 25, 2019April 13, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence

This Will Be a Sign for You: My Sermon on Christmas Eve

A child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger is a surprising sign that the Messiah had come, but a sign that teaches us what kind of Messiah he would be. Here is my sermon on Christmas Eve.

Posted on December 23, 2019April 13, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence

The Surprise of Christmas: My Sermon on December 22, 2019

Advent may be predictable, but the Christmas story shows us that God is full of surprises! Here is my sermon on Matthew 1:18-25.

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