Tag: Nativity of Jesus
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From Fact to Meaning – A Christmas Day Sermon on Luke 2:8-20
So what’s next? The crowds have dispersed, the hymns have been sung, and Christmas Eve has given way to the dawn of a new day. This morning’s light has overcome the night’s darkness. The waiting is over. The child has been born and the angel has announced the good news of great joy. So now Read more
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The Manger of Christ Never Disappoints – A Christmas Eve Sermon on Luke 2:1-14
“To you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:1-14) That says it all. That’s the Christmas truth. It’s the only thing that needs to be said or really even can be said. And it’s the only thing I have to tell you tonight. Read more
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He and Us – Thoughts on the Nativity from St. Ambrose
“He was a baby, a child, so that you may become a complete, mature person. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, so that you might be freed from the bonds of death. He was in a manger, so that you may be on the altar. He came to earth so that you may be Read more
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Gazing into the Face of a New Beginning – A Christmas Sermon on Luke 2:1-20
She gave birth, wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger. It’s all rather matter of fact as St. Luke tells it (Luke 2:1-20; Christmas Eve). It sounds like it could be any birth. It was probably like a lot of births throughout the world today. A newborn, a blanket of sorts, Read more
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What are you Giving for Christmas?
At Christmas we often think, and rightfully so, of God’s gift of Jesus to the world. We celebrate and rejoice that God has been born into this world as one of us. God is with us in a new way. God has given us himself in the baby Jesus. The early Church, while recognizing God’s Read more
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Advent Preparation – Let the Baby be Born
“Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way….” (Matthew 1:18-25) Matthew’s description of how Jesus’ birth happens does not mention anything that is on my to-do list. There is no busyness in his description. There are very few words spoken. Mary and Joseph are silent. They say nothing. An angel announces and declares as Read more
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Luke, Tell Me the Story Again!
There are some stories that simply bear repeating. Children want to hear the same old bed time story. Lovers tell the story of meeting and falling in love. Parents tell the story of their child’s birth. Tonight the Church tells the Christmas story. None of these stories are new. They have been told throughout the Read more
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Nativity Scenes Here, There, Everywhere – A Sermon for Christmas Eve, Luke 2:1-20
I probably need to begin with a disclaimer. My understanding of the nativity has changed. It is not what it used to be. I no longer see the birth of Jesus the way it is so often portrayed. The image of sweet baby Jesus asleep on the hay has given way to a vision of Read more
Interrupting the Silence 