Sermons on Advent and Christmas
Joseph’s Dreams
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25, New International VersionItalicized names/words are added from the Tree of Life Version JOSEPHS: 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: MARYS: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit, the Ruach ha-Kodesh. JOSEPHS: 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he…
Love & Thunder
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:1-12, The Message 1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.”3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah’s prophecy: Thunder in the desert!Prepare for God’s arrival!Make the road smooth and straight! 4-6 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He…
Rooted in Hope
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 11:1-10, Good News Translation The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants.2 The spirit of the Lord will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the Lord’s will, and honor [the Most High], 3 and find pleasure in obeying [the Maker].He will not judge by…
Spoiler Alert: Unto Us a Child is Born
SCRIPTURE: Shining Light Tells The Good Story 3:7-18 (Luke 3:7-18)First Nations Version, an Indigenous Translation of the New Testament 7 Large crowds of people were coming out to hear Gift of Goodwill (John) and have him perform the purification ceremony. He noticed some of the spiritual leaders in the crowd and warned them, “You nest of poisonous snakes!… 8 Prove to others by the way you live that you have returned to the good road. Do not think you can…
The Wild Man in the River
SCRIPTURE: Shining Light Tells The Good Story 3:1-6 (Luke 3:1-6)First Nations Version, an Indigenous Translation of the New Testament The People of Iron (Romans) had many new rulers and governors, and the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel) had a new chief holy man for the sacred lodge. It was now the fifteenth year of the rule of Son of the Great River (Tiberius Caesar). Under him was Spear of the Great Waters (Pontius Pilate), the governor ruling over the…
Olly, Olly, Oxen Free!
SCRIPTURE: Shining Light Tells The Good Story 25:25-36 (Luke 25:25-36)First Nations Version, an Indigenous Translation of the New Testament Verses 37-38: During the day Creator Sets Free (Jesus) would teach and tell his stories at the sacred lodge. Then at night he would go to where he was lodging on Olive Mountain. Then, in the morning, all the people would gather again at the lodge to listen to him. 25 “There will also be signs in the sun, moon, and…
Hope Made Real: MN UMC Conference
Where is your hope anchored? This worship service explores that question. Our five district superintendents each share a personal story of hope made real in their lives, and their messages are interspersed with incredible musical arrangements provided by United Methodist Churches throughout Minnesota. As we prepare to enter a new year during a global pandemic, this is an uplifting message of hope and possibility.
An Eternal Relay Race
Advent begins in the dark and anticipates a brighter day. Our waiting for dawn is far from passive – it is filled with planning, wondering, firming our roots and gathering our resources for growth, all while keeping an eye on the horizon. As we gather to worship and meditate this Communion Sunday, we will continue our Advent collection of symbols. Each of you is invited to bring to your worship window – along with simple elements for Communion – something that is an emblem of what is currently bringing light into your life, reminding you that Christmas is near. Above the manger hangs a star of light – shining through the dark. It is winter, and the Base Camp of our church community is warm. Let’s keep the gift of Sabbath; rest a bit together, and reflect, refuel, and refresh our sense of reverence.
In the Time of Herod the King
Advent begins. It is as simple as that. It begins at the beginning, long before the star or even the first birthing cry. It begins with a need, then a hope, then a vision; a messenger, an inkling, and then – then a long growing season – a journey toward light and life. As we gather to worship and meditate this Sunday, we will begin a collection that will grow in the coming weeks. Each of you is invited to bring to your worship window something that is a space waiting to be filled – be it object, sign or symbol. An empty manger. A promise of new life. A star in the dark. It is winter, and the Base Camp of our church community is warm. Let’s keep gift of Sabbath; rest a bit together, and reflect, refuel, and refresh our sense of reverence.