Mill Woods United

an affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada


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christmas

“Be her child”

December 20, 2020 by mwuc1 Leave a Comment

Texts: “Our deepest fear” by Marianne Williamson * Luke 1:46-56 (Mary’s song) Video of complete service “Christmas comes but once a year,” or so goes an old saying that encourages us to celebrate it with abandon. But when I was a child, I came to the happy realization there was more than one Christmas each … [Read more…]

Posted in: Pandemic reflections, Sermon Blog Tagged: advent, Born again, christmas, COVID-19, Marianne Williamson, sermons

Tears of joy

December 13, 2020 by mwuc1 Leave a Comment

Texts: from “Lifesigns” by Henri Nouwen * Luke 1:26-45 (the birth of Jesus foretold) Video of complete service When I dream about Christmas, I find it easier to imagine feeling joy next year – Christmas 2021 — than this year; probably because many of us hope and expect that by next fall, the COVID-19 pandemic … [Read more…]

Posted in: Pandemic reflections, Sermon Blog Tagged: advent, christmas, COVID-19, grief, joy

“It’s Starting to Look a Lot Like Netflix!”

December 22, 2019 by mwuc1

Text: Luke 1:46-56 (Mary’s song of love and justice) Have you ever noticed that many of the holidays we celebrate in Canada have roots in the church but are now mostly secular? This list would include Valentine’s Day on February 14, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, and Halloween on October 31. There are still … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog Tagged: advent, christmas, Magnificat, netflix, romcoms

Surprised by joy

December 17, 2018 by mwuc1

Text: Luke 1:57-80 (the birth of John the Baptist) The joys of Christmas come easily to my mind – things like family meals, expressions of love and affection, child-like delight in trees and candles, gift-giving, music, chocolates. But Advent joy can seem more elusive. Kim and I experienced an afternoon filled with what I call … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog, Uncategorized Tagged: christmas, Handel, Messiah

Fools, feasts, and games of thrones

December 17, 2017 by mwuc1

Text: Luke 1:26-56 (the miraculous conception of Jesus) “You have deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places.” Every December, we hear these words of Mary as she prepares to give birth to Jesus. Her words connect Christmas not just to birth and light, but also to hopes that justice … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog Tagged: advent, bill graham, christmas, netflix, Quasimodo, reflections, Reformation, sermons

Advent without ceasing?

December 10, 2017 by mwuc1

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, 16-18 (“Pray without ceasing”) Every Advent, the following debate surfaces: is Christmas secular or religious? Today, we are in the middle of Advent, a season that includes the four Sundays before Christmas. And while the retail and entertainment industries try to conflate Advent and Christmas, they are two distinct seasons. Advent … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog Tagged: A Christmas Carol, advent, christmas, reflection, Scrooge, sermon

The Roman Empire yesterday and today

January 1, 2017 by mwuc1

Text: Matthew 2:13-23 (the Slaughter of the Innocents) Today’s reading from Matthew is not one that leads easily to “Merry Christmas!” Paula Simons, writing on December 23 in the Edmonton Journal about the dangers faced by children today, began by recounting Matthew’s story of what happened after the First Christmas. In her column, she noted … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog Tagged: christmas, Matthew, sermons

Finding salvation in an instant

January 1, 2017 by mwuc1

Text: Luke 2:21-40 (Jesus is named at the Temple) — this is a short reflection presented on Christmas morning, December 25, 2016 In today’s reading from Luke, an old man named Simeon is prompted by the Spirit to go to the Temple in Jerusalem right after the first Christmas. When he gets there, he meets … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog Tagged: christmas, jesus, sermons

Return to Christmas Eve

December 25, 2016 by mwuc1

Text: Luke 2:1-20 (the birth of Jesus) Friends, with joy we have returned to Christmas Eve. Three hundred and sixty-six days after we last celebrated the occasion, we have gathered again to drink in the mystery of what is a favourite evening for many of us. Christmas is dear to my heart; and this was … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog Tagged: christmas, Christmas Eve, jesus, luke

Making room for joy

December 12, 2016 by mwuc1

Text: Luke 1:57-80 (the birth of John the Baptist) Advent is a journey towards Christmas with its promises of love and abundance. Our souls long for the family gatherings, food, and beautiful winter vistas of an ideal Christmas. But the journey itself has its own joyous rewards. Christmas and Advent are about comfort and joy. … [Read more…]

Posted in: Sermon Blog Tagged: advent, christmas, luke, sermons
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