First Sunday after Christmas
12/30/12 – Jonathan Chute reading “Being Mary” by Marina Endicott and “Remembrance Is Sufficient” by E. B. White
Sermon – Readings
Luke 2: 41-52. The scripture describes the story of Jesus and his parents in Jerusalem for Passover, when he is about twelve.
Scripture – Luke 2: 41-52
Instead of a sermon, Jonathan will share a couple of reflections on the meaning of Christmas with us – the short story “Being Mary” by Canadian author Marina Endicott and “Remembrance Is Sufficient by E. B. White.
Christmas Eve
12/24/12 – Jonathan Chute – “Waiting for a Miracle”
Sermon – Waiting for a Miracle
Luke 2: 1-20. The gospel for Christmas Eve is (no surprise!) the story of Jesus’ birth. We know what the shepherds will find when they arrive at the manger. Because we know the story so well we can’t help but miss the sense of utter shock and surprise that would have been with them. None of them had any idea of what was coming, or expected what God was up to in the middle of that dark night.
Scripture – Luke 2: 1-20
Fourth Sunday of Advent
12/23/12 – Jonathan Chute – “Together”
Sermon – Together
Luke 1: 39-47. In this week’s gospel two remarkable women greet each other. Elizabeth, the older of the two, waited for years to become pregnant. Mary, the younger, has gone to stay with her cousin Elizabeth. . . . Something more is going on as the two women come together – at the sound of Mary’s voice the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy.
Scripture – Luke 1: 39-47
Third Sunday of Advent
12/16/12 – Jonathan Chute – “Sharing Joy – Sharing God’s Promise”
Sermon – Sharing Joy – Sharing God’s Promise
Luke 3: 7-18. In this week’s gospel John the Baptist speaks harshly to the crowds who have come out for baptism because he does not think that they are sincere. Nevertheless, he offers the people the hope of a new beginning. For this reason, Luke tells us that John preached “good news to the people.”
Scripture – Luke 3: 7-18
Second Sunday of Advent
12/9/12 – Jonathan Chute – “Real World Redemption”
Sermon – Real World Redemption
Luke 3: 1-6. This week’s gospel introduces us to John the Baptist, as he calls the people to a baptism of repentance and forgiveness. Luke wants us to see that God is at work not only in the past, but in the midst of the challenges and hopes that the world faces. The coming of the Messiah is not only a religious matter. It touches the whole of our lives.
Scripture – Luke 3: 1-6
First Sunday of Advent
12/2/12 – Jonathan Chute – “Uh-Oh!”
Sermon – Uh-Oh!
Luke 21: 25-36. In this first Sunday of Advent, Jesus encourages his followers not to give up. He reminds the faithful to raise their heads and welcome the redemption that is coming. God is still working to bring healing and hope to the world, so What sounds at first like bad news, Jesus promises, will lead us into God’s future.
Scripture – Luke 21: 25-36
