Synopsis: Zechariah’s prophecy has shaped the worship of Christians, East and West, for centuries. But the last we saw Zechariah, he was made mute for his unbelief. How did this disobedient priest come to write the words sung by millions of Christians over the last two millennia? Luke 1:57-66 describes how an old barren woman gives birth to the joy of the whole community. But the baby challenges the traditions of his people, and then repentant John is given both his voice and a divine voice of thanksgiving, shaping the worship of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Sermon Text: Luke 1:57-80

Mary believes the Angel’s message and so seeks out Elizabeth. Those who receive God’s favor seek fellowship with one another. Elizabeth and her baby greet Mary and her baby with overflowing with warmth, admiration and gratitude, inspiring Mary to respond with a song praising God’s covenantal loving kindness.

Sermon Text: Luke 1:39-56

The Angel Gabriel’s next stop is an obscure town in Northern Judea to announce the birth of the messiah to a young Jewish Virgin. This scene has shaped the imagination and liturgy of the Church in profoundly positive and harmful ways. Mary, the God-bearer, is a picture of Mother Church and the true Christian; favored of God, thoughtful, obedient, believing, worshipful and a faithful follower of God’s word.

Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-38

God visits his people in answer to prayer, fulfilling through the hope of one faithful couple, the hope of all Israel. The story and setting are familiar and full of typology from all over the OT, yet something is terribly amiss, which does not prevent the overwhelming grace of a loving and faithful God.

Sermon Text: Luke 1:5-25

Luke investigated everything carefully to write an orderly account to provide certainty to his readers.

Sermon Text: Luke 1:1-4

Synopsis: First Paul is generous in his gratitude to the Philippians for the generous gratitude they have shown him. Paul then goes on to encourage the Philippians by explaining how God has taught him true contentment. Lastly, Paul concludes his letter in the same spirit of brotherly affection and grace with which he opened the letter.

Sermon Text: Philippians 4:10-23

Synopsis: Peace is given to us and yet we also must strive to sustain it. Not just some nebulous spiritual “inner peace” but our peace with one another. It is attained in Christ and maintained in Christ. Paul closes out his epistle by addressing the lack of unity head-on. The conflicts in Philippi need to end, for the saints serve the God of Peace. We keep the peace with one another by agreeing in the Lord, by calmly and joyfully praying to the Lord with thanksgiving, and by meditating on and imitating the holiness of God.

Philippians 4:1-9

Synopsis: Paul presses on and Strains forward, setting the standard for faithful Christian living. Paul’s confidence in Christ and in Christ’s commonwealth drives his progress in the Christian Life.

Sermon Text: Philippians 3:12-4:1

Synopsis: Paul begins to wrap his letter up with his central command, “rejoice in the Lord.” To give them reason to rejoice, he juxtaposes faithful Christians who are the circumcision with their opponents, who are dogs and whose cherished worldly “glory” is but rubbish. What Christians have is the Righteousness of God by faith, by which they are becoming like Jesus in his death and by which they attain the resurrection of the dead.

Sermon Text: Philippians 3:1-11

Synopsis: Paul diplomatically denies the Philippians request to send them Timothy, making their own Epaphroditus his emissary, while simultaneously lifting up two shining examples who exemplify the themes of his letter. The gospel partnership is unified familial service of the Lord Jesus Christ, that both fulfills God’s people and fills them with Joy.

Sermon Text: Philippians 2:19-30