Category: Christmas
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Spoiler Alert: Christmas Happens In The Real World – A Sermon On Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
I think today’s gospel (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23) should have come with a spoiler alert. So here it is. Are you ready? Spoiler Alert: Christmas happens in the real world; not in the candlelight of a silent night, and not away in a manger. Here’s why I say that: Today’s gospel spoils whatever sentimental or romantic Read more
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God’s First Sacrament – A Christmas Sermon On John 1:1-18
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” That’s the Christmas story St. John tells in today’s gospel (John 1:1-18) and it’s very different from the one we heard from St. Luke on Christmas Eve (Luke 2:1-20). One is not better than the other. They’re just different and we need both. Luke tells us Read more
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There’s Something About This Day – A Christmas Day Sermon On Luke 2:8-20
“The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place.’” There’s something about this day like no other day. I’ve told you this before but I’ll say it again. Christmas Day is one of my most favorite days in the church year. It is simple, Read more
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Our Original Blessing – A Christmas Eve Sermon On Luke 2:1-20
“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:1-20) That is the angel’s “good news of great joy for all the people.” It is the summation of Christmas. It is the heart of the Christmas story. What more needs to be said? What Read more
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The Grammar Of Christmas – A Sermon On John 1:1-18
I’m going to begin today’s sermon with a grammar question. Merry Christmas. But first, a little review. You remember what a noun is, right? It’s a word used to describe a person, place, or thing. And how about a verb? That’s a word used to describe an action, occurrence, or state of being. So here’s Read more
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Tending To The Child – A Christmas Day Sermon On Luke 2:8-20
I’m always struck by how different Christmas Day is from Christmas Eve. It’s like the difference between an introvert and an extrovert. Last night was exciting, noisy, and crowded. This morning is calm, quiet, and there aren’t many of us here. Christmas Eve pageantry has given way to Christmas Day simplicity. The candlelight of last Read more
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As Real As A Baby’s Cry – A Christmas Eve Sermon On Luke 2:1-20
The announcement has been made and the news delivered. Today God has come to us as a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. (Luke 2:1-20) Emmanuel. God is with us. The angel calls this good news of great joy for all people. Not just for the shepherds but for all Read more
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What Will You Do With Your Fear In 2022? – A Sermon On Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
So we’re two days into the new year, what are you thinking about 2022 this morning? Will 2022 be different from and better than 2021? I don’t know but I suspect that’s a question many of us are asking and wondering about, and with good reason. 2021 began with an attack on our nation’s capitol Read more
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Grace Upon Grace – A Sermon On John 1:1-18
Pecan pie. That’s what I thought about as I was reading today’s gospel (John 1:1-18) and preparing for this sermon. I thought about pecan pie. I know, it’s a strange connection but stick with me. It’s not as much of a half-baked idea as it sounds. A couple days before Christmas Cyndy and I were Read more
Interrupting the Silence 