Journey through seven lessons and carols, led by Mount Olivet choirs.

What did Mary say when an angel told her she would change the world? That her life would be turned upside down with the birth of a Savior? Let it be.

Today, we welcome the season of Advent. We are telling our stories of anticipation and preparation through the scriptural encounters with angels. These messengers of God, reveal stories of the anticipation of Jesus’ birth. Today’s angelic story, is that of Zechariah finding his voice to speak to the good news of God’s work in his life through the birth of his son John.

When we talk about Christ the King, we affirm that Jesus IS the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is Lord... and nothing else matters.

Christian Nationalism attempts to use  Jesus as cover its political agenda, using the message of Jesus for political propaganda and the church as the handmaiden and cheerleader of the state. This is not a red or blue political issue. Christian Nationalism is a theological heresy that the church must address.

Today is a day to remember that it is Jesus who makes us saints, and thus is a day to remember all the saints in our lives – those we study scripture alongside, those sharing a pew, and those we fail to greet as we move through our daily routines. “Saintliness” is not something we earn or achieve – in this life or the next.

Jesus heals ten men, but only one returns to say thank you. The man was a Samaritan (this is the gospel’s way of telling us he was outside of God’s covenant with Israel). But Jesus tells the man his faith has made him well. The man was moved by the gracious act of Jesus to a posture of generosity and sent on his way to live a life of faith. Practicing gratitude changes individuals and communities. When Christians practice gratitude coming to worship is not about what we can get out of the morning and stewardship, is no longer about fundraising but instead about returning a portion of God’s blessing upon us to God.

Jesus instructs us on generous forgiveness. In response, they ask for more faith. This is valid. It is trite to say that we live in a consumeristic, always wanting more, bigger is better culture. This isn’t a new thing. This is the American way. Even in asking for more of a good thing like faith or love or courage, Jesus reminds us that we have and, in fact, are more than enough.

Jesus is not telling a parable about Hell, the final judgment, or heavenly rewards. Our lesson is not a story about the afterlife and how to get to where we all want to go. Jesus is extending an invitation to the Pharisees then and today, to his followers then and today, to live as though the Kingdom of God (his kingdom) is already among us. The Kingdom of God broke into the world through Mary’s womb, which the cross or grave could not snuff out.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a sermon about how to manage your financial affairs. In this story, Jesus tells of a manager who cheats his boss but then is commended for acting so “shrewdly”. Jesus wants to know why those who have been called to follow him are not as creative or diligent in their care of the story entrusted to them as they are managing something of greater value.