First Sunday of Lent

Matthew 4:1-11

The Devil tempted Jesus not to do something, but rather tempted Jesus to be someone other than he was called to be. The world does the same thing to us. The many temptations of the world dont call us to do something but rather to be who we are not. Ultimately we are to take on something to Be God's. 

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul in speaking to the Corinthians is frustrated and worried for the community. The quarreling and fighting within are causing divisions. Paul calls upon them to learn to be spiritually mature. To know Christ, eating the meat of faith and not the milk of an immature faith.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Technology has a way of pulling us in a and not letting go. As people of faith we can use technology to live and grow in faith or we can let it use us. Paul makes it clear regardless of technology we need to know nothing but Christ and him crucified. 

Why do our Catholic/Lutheran/Episcopal brothers and sisters make the sign of the cross at certain times. Making the sign of the cross often happens at odd moments. For example, many baseball players make the sign of the cross as they step into the batter’s box. Some soccer players do likewise before attempting a penalty shot. Is this merely a superstitious practice? A good-luck ritual? The cross symbol is also a wildly popular item of jewelry. Why would one wear a cross — the symbol of unspeakable and horrible cruelty — as jewelry? To identify oneself as a Christian? Because, with all its diamonds, it’s pretty? How does the cross appear in our culture. How was the cross was perceived by cultures in Jesus’ time. What is the “sign of the cross” to us today? What does the cross signify to us?

The story of the Magi finding Jesus and offering gifts is a cherished story. So much to talk about. But we focus on Matthew 2:12 about having a dream and going home a different way. When we encounter the Christ of Christmas we ought to be going home another way. Another way that leads to a new way of being and a new way of seeing.

On Christmas Eve we hear the story of the birth of Jesus. It was anything but a silent night. 

When the Angel Gabriel greets Mary, the words are Greetings you who is highly favored. Favor here means grace. We throw that word grace around a lot. But what does it mean for Mary and for us at Christmas?

Continuing in the series we move toward the birth of Jesus, from Mary's perspective. This week we look at the time when Mary was in her twenties, more specifically when Jesus was 12 years old in the Temple. Mary and Joseph found him there. His response to them astonished them. Are we amazed, astounded and astonished by Jesus and his words today?

As we continue to move backwards in time through Mary's perspective, we find Mary at the foot of the cross. Remembering all that was told to her about her son Jesus, all of the tings she pondered in her heart and that this child would pierce her soul. 

Advent Sermon Series: On Adam Hamilton's book "Not a Silent Night" In this series we will look at the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Mary. In this first sermon we look back at the end of Jesus Life, Death and Resurrection and Mary's life after the Ascension.