Sermons

Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River marked him as the Father's chosen and anointed Son who would fulfill all righteousness. Jesus' baptism launched him into a life of serving. Can it be any different for us who are baptized into Jesus' death and resurrection? We also are baptized into a life of serving in Jesus' Name.

Inscribed on the cornerstone of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. (set in place in 1907) is this:

Jesus' birth, first announced to shepherds, shows the extraordinary grace of God breaking in to ordinary lives

God transforms fear into obedience through the message of the gospel

Waiting is not something most of us do very well. We usually see this as a waste of time, and yet Advent is all about waiting - not impatient, irritated waiting, but hopeful waiting. John the Baptist called the people of his day to wait with readiness for the Messiah, the One whose coming John prepared the way. We, too, are called to wait with repentance for the coming of the Lord when He will come again to judge the world in righteousness.

Thanksgiving is a call for us to remember - remember how richly and abundantly God has blessed with gifts of body, mind, and spirit. Moses reminded God's people as they prepared to enter into the Promised Land to remember, and not forget: "Take care lest you forget the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 8:11). We, too, are called to "take care" and give thanks to the Lord at all times.

Jesus makes clear that he comes to us now in distressing disguise in the face of the hungry and thirsty, the stranger and the naked, the sick and imprisoned. But on that great and final day when Jesus comes again and all the nations are gathered before him in judgment, he will no longer be in distressing disguise. He will be revealed in all his majesty and glory. In ministering to the least of his brethren, we minister to Jesus himself.