The season of the year that immediately follows Christ the King Sunday (usually in late November); this season prepares Christians for the birth of Jesus.
Christmas Eve 2022: Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service Scripture readings: Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-15 Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-5 During my childhood, whenever my mother’s family gathered, it was almost always large in numbers with multiple generations represented – even at simple family cookouts. Relatives …
Scripture: Luke 2: 1-5 Theme: When Joseph and Mary made the trip to Bethlehem, it must have been very hard on Mary. But what if she didn’t have to travel the entire distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem?
Scripture: Matthew, chapter 1 and Luke, chapter 1 Theme: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is in paintings or statues, she is classically portrayed as a eastern European woman in her 20’s. In truth, Mary was most likely a young teenager …
Scripture: Romans 15: 10-12 Theme: Jesus came to save the people of God – the Jews, in other words. His salvation was also offered to the Gentiles – which includes all of us who are not Jews. It is important …
2nd Sunday of Advent December 4, 2022 Scripture reading: Matthew 3:1-12 I have often said that when the four different Gospel writers choose the same topic to describe in detail, we should pull in close and pay attention; they do not …
Scripture: John 14: 27 Theme: Is peace just the absence of war? Or is it something greater and more meaningful?
1st Sunday of Advent November 27, 2022 Scripture reading: Matthew 24: 36-44 I’m sure you’re all familiar somewhat with that favorite old Christmas song, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” In the song, the singer points out all the things – …
Scripture – Isaiah 40: 1-5, 28-32 Theme: When some are wishing one another “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays!” others in our society see this season as being filled with pain and loss. Many in our midst have suffered from devastating …
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2021 Scripture reading: Luke 1: 39-55 I just love this time of year, don’t you? I love the decorations, the music, the holiday activities, the slightly chilly weather, the lights, all of it. I …