12/25/11 – Christmas Day
Jonathan Chute – Readings
Sermon – Readings
John 1: 1-14. Readings on Christmas by Augustine of Hippo, Puritan records, and Pearl S. Buck from “A Family Christmas” by Carolyn Kennedy.
Scripture – John 1: 1-14
12/24/11 Christmas Eve
Jonathan Chute – “Hidden”
Sermon – Hidden
Luke 2: 1-20. Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem to meet Roman census requirements. The Roman empire was powerful and its authority unquestioned. But then, in a little village in the hill country, in the cramped confines of a stable, something else was happening. Barely visible, hardly noticed by those in charge, a child was born.
Scripture – Luke 2: 1-20
12/18/11 4th Sunday of Advent
Jonathan Chute – “Margin Call”
Sermon – Margin Call
Luke 1: 26-38. The joy and hope of Christmas is drawing near! The angel Gabriel visits Mary to share with her the role she will play in the story of salvation. The angel tells Mary “Do not be afraid,” but we understand why she may tremble. Yet, Mary is not alone; Elizabeth, her relative, is also unexpectedly pregnant. God will use these two women to bring the good news for which the world has been waiting.
Scripture – Luke 1: 26-38
12/11/11 3rd Sunday of Advent
Jonathan Chute – “Among You”
Sermon – Among You
John 1: 6-8 and 19-28. When a group of religious leaders ask what he is doing, John the Baptist declares that he is simply a voice calling out in the wilderness – a witness to what God has already done. The people don’t know it yet, but the Messiah is already in their midst.
Scripture – John 1: 6-8 and 19-28
12/04/11 2nd Sunday of Advent
Jonathan Chute – “A Long Time Coming”
Sermon – A Long Time Coming
Mark 1: 1-8. The first words of Mark announce “the beginning of the gospel – that is, the ‘good news’ – of Jesus Christ.” But the story does not actually start where we expect it. Instead, we find ourselves out in the desert with John the Baptist, the messenger sent to prepare the way for the Messiah.
Scripture – Mark 1: 1-8
