Prince of Peace

This week's gospel lesson tells of Jesus' reaction to the arrest of John the Baptist. Pastor Michelle talks about why John was probably arrested - John was spreading a message of peace in the face of political leaders that used violence and oppression to remain in control. Jesus later used the same message of peace to show that violence is never the final answer to anything. She goes on to explain that showing peace and mercy can feel like an inadequate response in today's world, but it is the only response that matters.

In this sermon Pastor Hannah discusses how John the Baptist directed others to Jesus. We are encouraged to consider what we are looking for when we follow Jesus. We should consider how we can better point toward Christ through our lives.

Today we not only celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, but baptisms of several new members. In his message this morning, Pastor Jonathan reminds us that our baptism means that no matter what happens in our lives, we begin and end washed in God's grace. Through the highest of the good things in our lives, and the lowest of the bad things, staying focused on our baptism in God's grace keeps our lives in perspective.

Today's gospel starts with "In the beginning ..." and continues to tell how God brought forth light from the darkness. Pastor Michelle explains that darkness can be place of peace and comfort, but more often it is a place we associate with bad things happening. The light that the gospel lesson is talking about is Jesus overcoming the dark spaces in our lives. She goes on to remind us that we can help other people out of their dark places by, as we say during baptisms, "let your light shine before others..."

Today's gospel tells the story of Herod trying to find Jesus. Pastor Hannah explains Herod was not looking to worship God's son, but was afraid that the newborn king would dethrone him. She goes on to say that many of the conflicts in our world are born of fear. We can combat this fear by sharing God's love through Forgiveness, empathy, and honesty.

In this sermon Pastor Michelle discusses how Joseph ultimately chose the most loving option over his original plan. In the same way, in living a faithful life we are called to choose the most loving options rather than those that follow a strict rigidity. We are called to live with a Christ-like love that while demanding, is not impossible because of God's help.

Today's gospel is the continuation of the story of Mary, as she carries the Christ child within her. The story tells of Mary praising God for blessing her with Jesus. Pastor Michelle explains why this is such a big deal: for generations God has promised to lift up the lowly and downtrodden and provide salvation, while humbling the powerful people. Indeed, Mary had witnessed firsthand the oppression that Rome had inflicted upon the Jews at the time. Knowing that God was fulfilling His promise gave her, and all who knew her, joy.

Today, we still see signs of the oppression of the powerful, but we understand now that we are the fulfillment of God's promise: every time we help feed the hungry, or speak out against injustice, we are living and loving like Jesus.

In this sermon Pastor Hannah discusses the peace spoken of by Isaiah and the appearance of the John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord. This peace takes a lot of work and we are called to Jesus into an active life of love. Through this we work with Christ to achieve peace in our world.

As we begin the season of Advent in 2025, Pastor Jonathan reminds us that we are entering a season of anticipating what is to come. Yet, as Pastor Jonathan explains, while this season of watching and waiting is teaching us to look forward to the salvation that is to come, Isaiah's prophecy that nations will "hammer their swords into plows" tells us that this hope is not a passive activity - we are called to do what we can to bring this peace to the world.

In this sermon Pastor Johnathan invites us to remember what kind of king we serve in Jesus. We are reminded that Jesus not come as a king who seeks power above all but instead he comes as a servant king. We are reminded of what is outside of God's kingdom and what is a part of it as we both anticipate the coming kingdom and celebrate how it is coming among us now.