Sun, Dec 18, 2022
Duration: 40 mins 17 secs
Christmas is a story of giving and receiving. All kinds of giving surface, from Herod's hateful orders to the Magi's magnificent gifts. However, the most remarkable gifts come from Mary and Joseph, who give sacrificially. They give themselves to God's call on their lives. Through their story, God's grace accumulates. May the same be said for our lives, since God is with us.
Sun, Dec 19, 2021
Duration: 38 mins 54 secs
Before the Christ was a person, it was a position loaded with anticipation. In Jesus's day, people expected the Christ to be a strong king in the line of David, a holy priest, a prophet; some envisioned two Christs. Regardless, Jesus defied all the expectations becoming a Christ who would suffer for the people to set them free. This secured an eternal relationship with Jesus, whereby we are "in Christ" and he is in us. Indeed, Christ is more than position; he is a person who loves us.
Sun, Dec 05, 2021
Duration: 41 mins 29 secs
The first name from the nativity is "Immanuel," which means God with us. An angel proclaims this name to Joseph in a dream. He cites a prophecy that God will dwell with his people from Isaiah. This theme of "God with us" reaches back to Genesis, shows up in the OT covenants, and takes a leap forward in the gospels. This sermon provides a theology of "God with us," and a clear invitation to "practice the presence" of Jesus.
Sun, Dec 08, 2019
Duration: 47 mins 40 secs
As we go through the different stages of life, our experience of Christmas changes. Childhood marks the first stage, full of wonder, adventure, curiosity, and questions. In fact, we see Jesus reflect a similar attitudes on his childhood Passover experience. In the only biblical tale of his childhood, Luke details his family custom, an annual trip to Jerusalem, and growing sense of calling. Jesus provides models a life of wonder, learning, and submission, which should last well beyond our childhood!
Sun, Dec 24, 2017
Satan was the most original Grinch. He is hellbent on stealing joy and destroying all God holds dear. One of his age-old tactics is to accuse God's people. But Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension sent Satan sputtering. God's people have an Advocate, and need not heed Satan's accusations any further.
Sun, Dec 10, 2017
Duration: 46 mins 57 secs
Joseph had an opportunity to stop Christmas from coming. He could have asked for Mary to be stoned. It would have been within his rights, considering she was with child and it was not his. But Joseph resolved for a more merciful decision, putting his role above his reputation. In a shame-sensitive society, his choice was wonderful.
Sun, Dec 11, 2016
Duration: 32 mins 45 secs
Christmas season comprises many wonders - lights, songs, family traditions, and commercial delights (e.g. Santa). It also boasts the most wonderful story: the birth of Jesus. The gospel of Luke captures this wonderful theme in its telling, but also implies there's something more than wonderful. There is worship. It is why God came: to defy the odds, break the norm, shatter strongholds, and make rebels into worshipers.
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