Sermons

Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River marked the beginning of his public ministry, which would take him to the cross where He would give his life for our salvation. Our Baptism marks us with the cross of Christ as we are baptized into all that Jesus has done for us. As God's baptized people, we now see the world - and our neighbor - through new eyes. By God's grace, we see Christ in our neighbor and respond as Christ to our neighbor.

At Epiphany, we celebrate the Light of Christ, who brings us through our dark world.

God's grace and blessing surrounds us through every season of the year, and through every season of life.

The Holy Family - the Christ Child, Mary and Joseph - come into the temple to fulfill what the Law of Moses required, and in so doing they meet Simeon and Anna - two of the oldest of God's children. As Simeon's prophetic words are fulfilled, that sword will pierce Mary's heart and soul as the nails pierce Jesus' hands and feet upon the cross. This is the good news of great joy: God has entered our chaos and confusion with his grace and mercy in Jesus Christ.

The Christmas story is but a limited perspective of a much wider story

Good news is not only compelling, it's also contagious. When we have received good news, we simply have to share it. We cannot keep it to ourselves! We stand in a long line of those who have received the good news of Jesus' birth, beginning with the shepherds on that first Christmas night. The shepherds were the first ones to be bearers of the good news of Jesus, and God calls us to do the same today.

The crib of Mary's Child will lead to his cross. Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat, will give way to tears and deep sorrow as her Son dies upon that cross. That is the truth of Christmas: Jesus is born to suffer and die for us all.

Mary's prayer of praise, the Magnificat, recognizes who God is, who we are, and how He has acted to save us.

In Advent, we exult in the victory that Jesus brings over Satan and all evil

With Isaiah, we pray for God's divine disruption within and without