Tag Archives: christmas

For All People

Matthew 2:1-12 When I was a teenager, I was cast one year as one of the three wise men along with two of my classmates. We had all aged out of being sheep and shepherds and angels, and we weren’t quite old enough yet to play Mary or Joseph or the angel Gabriel, although byContinue reading “For All People”

A Beautiful Beginning

Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 If I were to start off with “once upon a time…,” it would probably signal certain things to you about what comes next. A fairy tale, a myth, a legend. Not necessarily true in the literal sense, but meaningful and maybe even instructive. If I were to say “a long time agoContinue reading “A Beautiful Beginning”

Big Love, Small

Luke 2:1-14(15-20) We want a big God. We want a God who will stop wars and move mountains and slow the passage of time. When we feel small and afraid in the wide world, we want a God who is bigger than us to protect us and fight for us. When we encounter natural marvelsContinue reading “Big Love, Small”

Ringing

Matthew 11:28-30 This sermon was given on the occasion of Blue Christmas, also known as Longest Night, an observance intended to name and offer comfort for the pain and grief that the holidays bring for many. In the context in which this sermon was given, the congregation were given the opportunity to receive the layingContinue reading “Ringing”

Power & Protection

Matthew 1:18-25 I have always felt a tenderness toward Mary’s husband. I find it fascinating that history remembers his name and his occupation, but none of his words. Joseph, the patriarch of the Holy Family, does not have a single line of dialogue in the Bible. Like Zechariah, who was silenced by God for nineContinue reading “Power & Protection”

Wake Up!

This sermon was given at St Peter Baptist Church in Clifford, VA, by invitation of their board of deacons. The people of St Mark’s Episcopal Church worship with the people of St Peter four times a year as we have done for over a decade. “You know what time it is, how it is nowContinue reading “Wake Up!”

Remembering the Past, Blessing the Future

The Song of Zechariah, Canticle 16, found on page 92 of the Book of Common Prayer or alternatively Luke 1:68-79 You, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.Continue reading “Remembering the Past, Blessing the Future”

Honest Hope

Isaiah 64:1-9 In our first gathering for our Advent study this past Thursday (it’s not too late to join us!), I invited everyone to introduce themselves and share one thing about this time of year that they love, or that is special to them. People shared stories of childhood, of sacred time with their ownContinue reading “Honest Hope”