ASLC Podcast

Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; Matthew 4:12-23

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. That glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 18:1-6, 16-19; Acts 4:8-13; Matthew 16:13-19

Peter's confession, that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” is rock solid. Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone. The psalmist celebrates God as “my rock in whom I put my trust.” Paul refers to Christ as the “spiritual rock” that followed the children of Israel in the wilderness. Even the Greek petros, from which Peter’s name comes, means stone. The assembly gathers again today to honor the Son of the living God and longs to be recognized as companions of Jesus.

During Advent, we are called to settle into the holy darkness, to rest in a season of the expected and the unknown. We are invited to face this longest night, surrounded in the darkness by your loving embrace. We are called to wait, to hope, to trust in the promises God has made throughout the ages. As we make this Advent journey, we hold onto the assurance that God’s comforting presence is with us always, from now into eternity.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 42:1-5; Isaiah 40:1, 27-31; John 16:16-22; Revelation 21:1-4

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. That glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-23; Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:39-55

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Matthew 3:1-12

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. 

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43