Month: December 2021

  • First Sunday after Christmas

    Text: Luke 2:33-40 Joseph and Mary marveled about what was spoken about Jesus by Simeon.  Just before the reading appointed for today, Simeon was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have…

  • The Nativity of Our Lord

    Readings: Exodus 40:17–21, 34–38 | Titus 3:4–7 | John 1:1-18 Text: John 1:1-14 In dialog, God always goes back to the beginning, the foundation upon which He built.  Consider these examples from Jacob, Moses, and the prophet Isaiah: “And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham…

  • The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord

    Readings: Genesis 3:8–15 | Genesis 22:15–18 | Isaiah 7:10-14 | Luke 1:26-38 | Matthew 1:18-25 | Luke 2:1-7 | Luke 2:8-14 | Luke 2:15-20 Text: Luke 1:26–38 In the first reading we heard tonight, this was what happened immediately after sin came into the world.  Sin and death are not the natural state the world…

  • Fourth Sunday in Advent (Rorate Coeli)

    Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15–19 | Philippians 4:4–7 | John 1:19-28 Text: John 1:19-28 There is something diabolical in us that fears that John the Baptist will ruin Christmas. He disrupts things. John is not here to help you have fun. Rather, he is trying to help you prepare for the Last Day and the Lord’s return.…

  • Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete)

    Readings: Isaiah 40:1–11 | 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 | Matthew 11:2–11 Text: Matthew 11:2-11 John the Baptist (whose birth we have been hearing of during our midweek services) winds up in prison some time after Jesus began His ministry at the Jordan River.  Yet, even while in prison, John still has his loyal disciples.  No doubt…

  • Second Sunday in Advent (Populus Zion)

    Readings: Malachi 4:1–6 | Romans 15:4–13 | Luke 21:25–36 Text: Luke 21:25-36 “Encouragement and Instruction for the Last Days” Talk of the end of the world again?  Didn’t we just have that less than a month ago?  This topic can leave us weary (possibly) disappointed that the end has not yet come.  Isn’t this what…