Jonathan Chute - "Who Else Is Coming?"

Matthew 2: 1-12. The Epiphany marks the journey of the wise men as they follow a star to distant Bethlehem. They are rather unexpected guests at

this happy occasion, and they are also the first people known to worship Jesus.

Jonathan Chute reads "Being Mary" by Marina Endicott and "Remembrance Is Sufficient" by E. B. White

Luke 2: 41-52. The scripture describes the story of Jesus and his parents in Jerusalem for Passover, when he is about twelve. . .

Instead of a sermon, Jonathan will share a couple of reflections on the meaning of Christmas with us - the short story "Being Mary"

by Canadian author Marina Endicott and "Remebrance Is Sufficient by E. B. White.

Jonathan Chute - "Waiting for a Miracle"

Luke 2: 1-20. The gospel for Christmas Eve is (no surprise!) the story of Jesus' birth. We know what the shepherds will find when they arrive at the manger.

Because we know the story so well we can't help but miss the sense of utter shock and surprise that would have been with them.

None of them had any idea of what was coming, or expected what God was up to in the middle of that dark night.

Jonathan Chute - "Together"

Luke 1: 39-47. In this week's gospel two remarkable women greet each

other. Elizabeth, the older of the two, waited for years to become pregnant. Mary, the

younger, has gone to stay with her cousin Elizabeth. . . . Something more is going on as the two women

come together - at the sound of Mary's voice the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaps for joy.

Jonathan Chute - "Sharing Joy - Sharing God's Promise"

Luke 3: 7-18. In this week's gospel John the Baptist speaks harshly to the crowds who have come out for

baptism because he does not think that they are sincere. Nevertheless, he offers the people the hope of a new beginning.

For this reason, Luke tells us that John preached "good news to the people."

Jonathan Chute - "Real World Redemption"

Luke 3: 1-6. This week's gospel introduces us to John the Baptist, as he calls the people to a baptism of repentance and forgiveness. Luke

wants us to see that God is at work not only in the past, but in the midst of the challenges and hopes that

the world faces. The coming of the Messiah is not only a religious matter. It touches the whole of our lives.

Jonathan Chute - "Uh-Oh!"

Luke 21: 25-36. In this first Sunday of Advent, Jesus encourages his followers not to give up. He reminds the faithful to

raise their heads and welcome the redemption that is coming. God is still working to bring healing and hope to the world, so

What sounds at first like bad news, Jesus promises, will lead us into God's future.

Jonathan Chute - "Not From Here"

John 18: 33-37. In this week's gospel Jesus encounters Pilate, the representative of Rome in that part of the world. At the time of their meeting Jesus is

under arrest. On the face of it, he seems powerless and vulnerable. But he knows who he is, and where he comes from. Pilate holds no authority over him.

Jonathan Chute - "Grace All the Time"

Matthew 6: 25-33. In this week's gospel Jesus speaks to his followers about the worries many of them (and us) experience each day.

Do we have enough to eat and drink? What will we wear? Using examples from nature, he reminds them of God's faithfulness and care for all

living things. Flowers of the field and birds of the air rely on God to sustain them. Why not do the same?

Jonathan Chute - "Give or Take"

Mark 12: 38-44. In this Sunday's gospel Jesus warns his followers about religious leaders who seek out the places of honor in society. Then he sits down with the disciples outside the temple. In the midst of the crowd Jesus notices a poor widow who puts in two small coins. What is different about the widow's offering is not the small size of the gift itself, but the generous spirit behind it.