Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 This sermon was given at St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Clifford, VA on Christmas morning in a short spoken service of Holy Eucharist. For many of us, and indeed for much of the Western world, the religious crescendo of Christmas takes place on December 24th, Christmas Eve. Millions of people flood intoContinue reading “An invitation to Ponder”
Tag Archives: sermons
God with Us
Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 An angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. They were terrified. Why were they terrified? We have all gathered in this place, some of us from very far away, others for the first time, and still others are returningContinue reading “God with Us”
What Mary Knew
Luke 1:39-45(46-55) I am indebted this week to many creatives and theologians, including Debie Thomas of Journey with Jesus and Jennifer Henry, public theologian and justice advocate in the United Church of Canada. I encourage you to learn more about them and their work by following the links embedded in this sermon. Today, this lastContinue reading “What Mary Knew”
Not Fear, but Fearsome Hope.
Luke 3:7-18 This week we finally hear that voice in the wilderness, and his first line is to call all who have come to him, and by extension us, a brood of vipers. It’s definitely not the way we expect to see evangelism happen, but something about his insult-filled preaching and his apocalyptic warnings definitelyContinue reading “Not Fear, but Fearsome Hope.”
Cry out.
Luke 3:1-6 We have a good long list of names today. These are names of real people and real places, some of them very well- known and remembered as significant by history. Tiberius, Pontius, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, Caiaphas. Despite the familiarity of certain names and titles in this list, we are not meant to lingerContinue reading “Cry out.”
Wait
Luke 21:25-36 Happy New Year, friends! Stores have been stocking red and green décor since October and it’s nearly impossible to turn on a television without flipping past sentimental Christmas programs, and plenty of ambitious folks already have trees lit and decorated in their homes. Our culture may have rushed ahead to Christmas, but weContinue reading “Wait”
Will You Take the Stand?
John 18:33-37 This morning, we are in a courtroom. The accused has been brought forward to be interrogated by a judge, and not just any judge. Pilate represents the might of Empire, his position a reminder to the occupied nation that their lands, their wealth, even their bodies were not their own. Pilate holds theContinue reading “Will You Take the Stand?”
Faith Survives the Falling
Mark 13:1-8 Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives andContinue reading “Faith Survives the Falling”
We will be Real.
John 11:32-44 In one of C S Lewis’s shorter and lesser known works, The Great Divorce, the author and convert to Christianity explores the afterlife, the Great Divide between heaven and hell. The souls of those in hell are trapped in an ever expanding gray expanse of urban sprawl, constantly chilled and overcast in aContinue reading “We will be Real.”
Walking in Love
Mark 12:28-34 What is love? We as the church tend to talk about love, sing about love, pray about love, and read about love a lot. But what is it, really? What does love look like? What does it feel like? What does it smell like, taste like, sound like? If love is so centralContinue reading “Walking in Love”
Mother A Writes 