"The Temptation of Jesus" – Luke 4:1-13

When Jesus becomes human, he faces all the trouble of humanity – struggle, need, and temptation.  In doing so, Jesus shows us how to sustain our hope (and why we can put our hope in him when we can’t overcome).

"The Baptism of Jesus" – Matthew 3:13-17

When John and Jesus meet at the river, we find two men at different points in their journey.  For John, this is the end – he meets who he has been pointing to.  For Jesus this is the beginning, from here he takes his message public.  In the same way, our baptism isn’t an end.  Life with God starts in the baptismal waters for each of us.

"John the Baptist" – Mark 1:1-8

The story of Jesus doesn’t start with Jesus. Rather, we meet John who is “preparing the way of the Lord” through baptism.  That’s what baptism does – it prepares us to hear, experience, and be changed by Christ’s good news.

"Transformed" - Acts 9:1-15 

Christmas@Home - John 1:1-14

Join us as we celebrate Christmas at Home.

"A Weary World Rejoices" – Luke 2:1-20

Mary and Joseph exhausted from their journey.  The people of Bethlehem weighed down by Rome.  All of Israel waiting for God to come through.  By the time everyone gets to the manger, the crowd is weary.  And we're there too.  What can restore joy?  God comes out of heaven to be in our midst, reminding us that we aren't in this alone.  Your savior has come to you.

"The Gifts of Advent: The Gift of Family" - Matthew 1:1-17 

The Gospel of Matthew begins with a family tree from Abraham to Jesus. Between the recitation of names, we also hear the story of God at work in our world from generation to generation. The Advent and Christmas seasons highlight the significance of family and friends in our lives. We witness Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, and the shepherds together tending their flocks. As God's children, we become part of the family tree.

"The Gifts of Advent: The Gift of Hope" – Luke 1:67-79

Hope is a word on which our future rests. We cannot know what will come, but with faith we place our hope in Christ. Like Zechariah, we hope for the tender mercy of our God, light in the midst of darkness and death, and the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of our sins.

"The Gifts of Advent: The Gifts of Speech and Silence" – Luke 1:22-23, 57-66

Encountering the angel of the Lord, Zechariah was struck speechless. His imposed silence became a time to reflect on the wonders of God. Like Zechariah, we are called at times to be silent and listen, at other times to shout with joy.

"The Gifts of Advent: The Gift of Patience" – Mark 13:24-37

Waiting is hard. We eagerly anticipate the desires of our hearts and want them to come soon. We wait for the first day of school or the first snowfall. We wait to see a loved one or to hear a doctor's news. Just as the farmer waits for crops or the fig tree waits for summer, we are reminded to be patient until the coming of the Lord.