A lot of churches have a "Bring A Friend Sunday" where folks are encouraged to invite someone to worship. What if we had "Bring An Enemy Sunday?" What if we already do that? What if we carry our enemies with us wherever we go? (Luke 6:27-36)

Sometimes those things in our lives that we think of as "blessings" are really just privileges -- and our privileges can keep us from recognizing and validating the suffering of others. In his "Sermon on the Plain," Jesus reframes just who is blessed, and warns those who might wield their perceived "blessings" as judgment against others. (Luke 6:17-26)

Jesus wandered the lakeshores teaching and seeking out potential Disciples. When he saw a few guys unsuccessfully fishing, he told them to cast their nets yet again. When they did, the bounty nearly tore the nets, and the fishermen left all they had to follow this amazing prophet. (Luke 5:1-11)

The early Christian community in Corinth was squabbling again. They had started to set up a hierarchy of spiritual gifts that pressured many to conform and devalued many others. The Apostle Paul wrote to the community to remind them of the God-given gift of unity: That they were all parts of one body, and that each part had a unique and vital role to play. It is just as true for us today. (I Corinthians 12:12-31)

So often it seems that the words and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are removed from the context of his deep faith. In this message, we present three excerpts from Rev. Dr. King paired with scriptural reflection: "The Most Durable Power" (Romans 12:9-21); "Letter From Birmingham Jail" (I Corinthians 12:12-26); and "Our God is Marching On!" (Romans 8:18-25). Texts for these quotes come from "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings of Martin Luther King, Jr." edited by James M. Washington.

When Jesus was baptized by John, a voice broke through from the heavens: "This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased." Each one of us is invited to remember that we are also beloved children of God. Every time we touch water, we can remember the promises of our baptism: to grow in faith, to witness to God's love and justice, and to welcome others. (Luke 3:15-22)

Once the Magi met the Christ Child, they were transformed -- they knew nothing would be the same, and that they could not return home the same way they came (Matthew 2:1-12). Each one of us has or will have transformative encounters in our lives after which we are not the same person, and we are led off in a new direction.

While the popular Christmas song asks the question, "Mary, Did You Know?" scripture is very clear that Mary did know all about her role in birthing salvation for the world! Mary was far more than a container for the Messiah: she was a holy vessel that magnified God's greatness and power. (Luke 1:39-45 + 1:46-55)

John the Baptist proclaimed a message of repentance: Prepare for the Lord! His harsh rebukes and stark warnings do not sound exactly like "Good News" to our ears, but they are Good News for sure. John reminds us that celebrating the birth of Christ is risky, challenging, and transformative. Are we prepared? (Luke 3:7-18)

Much like his cousin, John the Baptist came from a miraculous birth and was named in the womb through the angel Gabriel. His name witnessed to his purpose: to prepare the way for the Messiah. Each one of us is named for a purpose as well. (Luke 1:68-79)