In Luke's Gospel lesson, who best describes us? The people of Capernaum who readily accept Jesus and His works, or the people of Nazareth who have known Him since he was a child but reject His teachings that threaten the comfortable predictability of their lives? Or will be like Jesus, trusting in God to give us the strength to speak truth to power and the courage to see our duty done no matter the risk. Even Jesus had to wait on God in prayer; certainly we can take comfort in being in His good company.

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:21-30.

In Luke's Gospel lesson, who best describes us? The people of Capernaum who readily accept Jesus and His works, or the people of Nazareth who have known Him since he was a child but reject His teachings that threaten the comfortable predictability of their lives? Or will be like Jesus, trusting in God to give us the strength to speak truth to power and the courage to see our duty done no matter the risk. Even Jesus had to wait on God in prayer; certainly we can take comfort in being in His good company.

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:21-30.

As Emmanuel enters its 170th year and we prepare for our annual meeting and the calling of an interim rector, Father Tom Rosa reminds us of the role we all play in our community and the world. The acts of love and charity the church performs are the result of all the members working together. We live out the word of the Great Commission in our daily lives, and our power is in the redeeming love of God. When we are at our weakest, the strength of Christ sustains us and supports us so that we may continue in His good works.

The Scripture references are Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10, Psalm 19, and 1 Corinthians 12-1231a. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:14-21.

Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana - His first sign, as John called it - came not as an announcement of power, but at a moment of need. The new, better wine is God's gift of His Son Jesus. Just as the wedding party needed the wine to continue the celebration, we need Jesus as the purest symbol of God's love for us. Jesus intimately concerns Himself not with our wants, but with our needs.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. The Gospel reference is John 2:1-11.

The Magi were the first to see the star announcing the newborn Christ, and the first Gentiles to seek him out and offer homage. This hiddenness of Christ is so typical of God's relationship with us; so seldom does he appear to kings in palaces, and so often to the lowly and the poor, the powerless and unprepared. When we follow the light of our individual epiphanies we are led smack into God, and we can see clearly God's vision for us. Guided by the star of Christ's presence, we experience a life of light and love.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7,10-14, and Ephesians 3:1-12. The Gospel reference is Matthew 2:1-12.

Through the Word, "Abba" - God the Father - made all of Creation, and through the Word made incarnate - Jesus the Christ - He brought and still brings life, light, love, and hope to those in darkness. This living Word is the source of our physical, spiritual, and eternal life and is the greatest gift from our loving God.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147:13-21, and Galatians 3:23-25,4:4-7. The Gospel reference is John 1:1-18.

Isn't wonderful and fitting that the shepherds tending their flocks as the lambs were born were the first to see the Lamb of God? His lowly birth shows us just how much God loves us and all His creation, and willingly came into the world to bring us to Himself.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.

Mary the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist, kept each other company as they shared the miracle of motherhood. One a woman well past childbearing age and the other a virgin, they could each appreciate the hand of God on them and could acknowledge the truth of His handiwork in their lives. We too can support each other as a church family, and to reach out in support of those around us who need proof of God's love and healing help in times of trouble. It is at Christmas that we celebrate the birth of our Savior who came to us so that we can welcome him into our lives every day.

The Scripture references are Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, and Hebrews 10:5-10. The Gospel reference is Luke 1:39-45(46-55).

Being receptive to joy takes some readiness, but at this Advent season we are preparing ourselves to be ready to welcome the One who took on our humanity to give us His divinity.

The Scripture references are Zephaniah 3:14-20, Canticle 9 (The First Song of Isaiah) Isaiah 12:2-6, and Philippians 4:4-7. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.

The lessons today tell us we are to clear a path for God to enter our lives, which He so desires to do. We need to remove the impediments that keep God out. We are children of promise, God's promise, and by opening our lives to transforming grace we open ourselves to the possibility that our hearts and our world can be a place for Jesus to live in us and abide with us always.

The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4, The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79), and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.