December 5, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “In the Wilderness”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel introduces us to John the Baptist, who prepares the way for the coming of the promised Messiah. John preaches repentance and forgiveness along the banks of the Jordan river, calling the people to make a new beginning out in the desert. The time had come to clear away old habits and cherished hurts, and to make room for the grace of God in their lives. Luke 3:1-6 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “In the Wilderness.”
Scripture: scripture
December 12, 2021 – April Herron, “Splashed By Joy”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday, December 12, we light the third Advent candle: the candle of joy. We anticipate the joy of Christ’s birth, which scripture teaches us to understand as a saving intervention by God for the world. According to the prophetic tradition of Isaiah, we have a choice to make. Will we put our trust entirely in God, or will we be enticed away from God by the false promises of other entities and powers? When we succumb to the temptation to turn away from God, we do things that lead to harmful consequences for ourselves and others. When we set our hearts on God, we open ourselves to receive God’s healing and help. God’s presence and guidance become sources of joy for us and of good news for the world. Our text is Isaiah 12:2-6. April’s sermon is titled “Splashed By Joy.”
Scripture: scripture
December 19, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Nobody Knows”
Sermon: sermon
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, two women, both pregnant, greet one another. Elizabeth, the older of the two, has been waiting and praying for a child for years. Mary, her young cousin, is in a more complicated situation. Pregnancy outside of marriage was punishable by death. But at the sound of Mary’s voice the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy. There is warmth and compassion between the two women. But something even more important is going on than anyone could imagine. We will be lighting the Candle of Love, and looking to the fulfillment of the promise carried by these two remarkable women. Luke 1:39-47 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Nobody Knows.”
Scripture: scripture
December 24, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Rumors of Glory”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for Christmas Eve sets the story of Jesus’ birth in the midst of world events. Caesar Augustus is at the peak of his power, ruling the empire from Rome. Hundreds of miles away, government officials announce royal decrees that turn ordinary people’s lives upside down. But on the hills outside of Bethlehem a different sort of announcement is being made. An angel of the Lord appears, startling a group of shepherds looking after their flocks that night. The angel proclaims the birth of the Messiah, down in the village, and tells them where to find the child. Heavenly messengers appear, praising God and proclaiming peace. Meanwhile, there in Bethlehem, a baby has been born to an unmarried couple, weary travelers on the road. No angels appear at the manger. Only the shepherds are there to bear witness. It seems like an unlikely way to bring about the salvation of the world. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 2:1-20, “Rumors of Glory.”
Scripture: scripture
December 26, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “The Usual”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for this Sunday shows us the only picture found in scripture of Jesus during childhood. He and his parents have gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. But when they go back home, Jesus stays behind in the temple, teaching and astounding the elders. When his parents find him after searching anxiously for three days, he astounds them as well! Luke 2:41-52 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The Usual.”
Scripture: scripture
