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…]
Text: Mark 13 (“the Little Apocalypse”) One of our highest spiritual goals is to wake up. This is a theme found in today’s apocalyptic reading. Jesus tells his friends to stay awake to the possibility of disaster, judgement, and salvation. Keep watch! Stay alert! Stay awake! says Jesus. OK. But what will help us accomplish … [Read more…]
Text: Exodus 1:8-17 (Midwives disobey the King of Egypt) As you may have noticed, I got my hair cut last week; and as always, I enjoyed chatting with my barber. Earlier this year, one of our monthly chats turned to the politics of racism. But that conversation didn’t get too far. My barber used the … [Read more…]
Text: Matthew 26:20-30 (The Last Supper) “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” These words of Paul from his letter to the church in Philippi seem like a good opening to a Thanksgiving sermon. Every Sunday we give thanks. But on Thanksgiving, we are supposed to give thanks with extra enthusiasm. On … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus as a youth in the Temple) The four gospels tell us little about the childhood of Jesus. Mark, which was written first, starts with Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan and covers just the few months from that event to his crucifixion in Jerusalem at Passover. Matthew, the next one written, … [Read more…]