December 1, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Wearable Jesus”
Sermon: sermon
The scripture for the first Sunday of Advent comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans. He spends the first 12 chapters of the letter exploring theology, faith, and history. But he closes the letter with ethics. What we believe about God, Paul says, invites us to live in new ways. He tells the Christians in Rome that a new day is dawning in the world. It is time to dress accordingly. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Wearable Jesus,” is found in Romans 13:11-14.
Scripture: scripture
December 8, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Extravagant Hope”
Sermon: sermon
Our scripture for the second Sunday of Advent announces the birth of a future king to the house of David. The prophet Isaiah proclaims the hope that with the coming of this new leader, genuine and lasting peace will break forth – not only among the nations of the earth, but through all of creation. Isaiah’s promise of a righteous king has been understood by Christians to be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Extravagant Hope,” is Isaiah 11:1-10. We will be lighting the second Advent candle, the Candle of Peace.
Scripture: scripture
December 15, 2019 – April Herron “Signs and Wonders”
Sermon: sermon
As our celebration of Christmas approaches, preparations and festivities are underway in many quarters. In the church we also remember that, long ago, as the actual birth of Jesus approached, not too many people realized that God was coming to be among humans in an astonishing way. Only a few wondered about the star. Only a few counted down the days until Mary’s child would be born. Only a few were awake to hear the angel choir. To most of the world, the arrival of the baby Jesus did not make much of a stir. Even thirty years later, John, whose job it was to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah, found himself waiting and wondering, “Is God acting yet? Is Jesus the one I’ve been expecting? Or have I missed something?”
During Advent, we honor that experience of waiting and wondering. We try to make time for stillness and for looking around to ask, “Where and how is God being made known?” This Sunday, December 15, we will be lighting the third candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of joy. Poinsettias will be filling the sanctuary with vibrant color. Our scripture text will be Matthew 11: 2-11. April’s sermon title is “Signs and Wonders.”
Scripture: scripture
December 22, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Not According to Plan”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel tells the story of Jesus’ birth from Joseph’s perspective. His world is turned upside-down by the news that Mary is pregnant. Since they are not yet married this means that she must be guilty of adultery. Joseph chooses not to follow the law, which required death by stoning. Instead he decides to end the relationship quietly. This is not what he had pictured for his life, but it seems to be the only option he can live with. Then an angel appears to him in a dream and announces that Mary’s child is from the Holy Spirit. He is told to make her his wife and to name the child Jesus. This birth will change his life forever. But the rest of the story depends on his response. Matthew 1:18-25 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Not According to Plan” – which is how life goes.
Scripture: scripture
December 29, 2019 – April Herron “The Caravan by Ruth Sawyer”
Sermon: sermon
Yes, friends, there is life after Christmas! Our gospel reading for December 29 picks up after the magi have presented their precious and mysterious gifts to Jesus. Christmas wonder is now being threatened by the insecurity, duplicity, heartlessness, and rage of King Herod. To Joseph falls the responsibility of keeping his family safe. Fortunately, he has the wisdom to listen to God’s guidance, which comes to him in a series of dreams. The scripture text is Matthew 2:13-23. In keeping with RHUMC tradition for the Sunday after Christmas, April will be telling stories related to the celebration of Christ’s birth and the continuing journey of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Scripture: scripture
