December 6, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “Familiar Territory”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel begins quite literally at the beginning. Mark opens the story with these very words – “the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ.” But then Mark takes us back to a time, centuries before, when the prophet Isaiah spoke to the people. Next he introduces us to John the Baptist, suggesting that John is the one foretold by the prophet. Out in the wilderness by the Jordan, he calls the people to repent and receive God’s forgiveness. As he preaches and baptizes he prepares the way for the Messiah. Mark 1:1-8 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Familiar Territory.”
Scripture: scripture
December 13, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “Witnesses”
Sermon: sermon
Our gospel for this week again focuses on John the Baptist. The early Church was concerned about the place of John in the life and ministry of Jesus. They didn’t want people to confuse the two figures or to misunderstand John’s role in the story of salvation. John makes clear that he is not the Messiah, but has come to bear witness, to prepare the way. When people ask what he has to say for himself, he points them to the one who comes after him. John 1:6-8, and 19-28 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Witnesses.”
Scripture: scripture
December 20, 2020 – April Herron, “It Takes A Child”
Sermon: sermon
“A baby is coming!” In our time, this news usually is conveyed by a doctor, a test kit, or a woman’s own intuition. The Bible, however, contains several instances in which angelic messengers bring an unexpected announcement from God that a child is on the way. The gospel passage for the 4th week of Advent describes Gabriel’s visit to Mary. The substance of the angel’s proclamation is that Mary will give birth to a son who will bring about the fulfillment of God’s intentions. Like Hagar, Sarah, Manoah, and Zechariah before her, Mary at first has trouble accepting such an improbable message. After some discussion with the angel Gabriel, she ultimately accepts her role in God’s plan to bring salvation within reach of all people. The text is Luke 1:36-38. April’s sermon title is “It Takes A Child.” The anthem, by the 3rd Service Ensemble, will be “I Need Christmas This Year.”
Scripture: scripture
December 24, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “In Person”
Sermon: sermon
In the gospel for Christmas Eve, we see that the birth of Jesus takes place in the midst of world events. From his throne in Rome, Caesar rules the Empire. Government officials carry out his orders, turning people’s lives upside-down. The powerful issue decrees. Ordinary families must deal with the consequences. But in Bethlehem a different sort of story is taking place. There, in a manger, God enters the world in vulnerability and weakness. A child is born to an unmarried couple, weary travelers on the road. A few shepherds are there to witness the event. Angels from heaven appear to them in the fields, inviting them to go and see what the love of God looks like, in person. Believe it or not a baby, lying in a manger, is “good news of great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:1-20 is the text for the sermon, “In Person.”
Scripture: scripture
December 27, 2020 – Jonathan Chute “Reflections on the Meaning of Christmas”
Sermon: sermon
Our celebration of Christmas continues, though the pace may seem a little quieter this year. The text for the day is John 1:1-14, one of the loveliest passages in all of scripture. Jonathan will share a couple of reflections on the meaning of Christmas from earlier Christian sources, as well as a beloved story from not so long ago. Sunday is the third day of Christmas this year, so be sure to get your French hen orders in before the final rush, if you want to impress your true love. No returns accepted!
Scripture: scripture
