Not So Magical Christmas

Nativity of Our Lord (I) Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20 Christmas is supposed to be a magical time, right? Kids are waiting for Santa to arrive and bring wonderful gifts. Parents are putting together a gourmet meal for family and friends. Everyone is dressed in the nicest formalwear they own. Our homes are clean, …

A Church-Backed Mutiny Against the Grip of the Iron Fist

Fourth Sunday of Advent II Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:46b-55 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 Mary’s Magnificat, the song she sings in response to the Good News of her bearing the messiah, is nothing short of revolutionary. This is no benign sweet tune about having a holly jolly Christmas or a jaunty bop about rockin’ around …

Salvation from What?

Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 A child is so excited for Christmas. They have been hearing all the hype about Santa and they can’t wait to get the presents under the tree, to see that partially consumed cookie that the big guy himself presumably ate, and maybe, …

When You Lose the Ground Beneath Your Feet

Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Wile E. Coyote wants to catch that RoadRunner so badly. I’ve seen the big chase so many times growing up watching Looney Toons. He’s always got some kind of scheme- a giant rocket attached to his back, setting up an elaborate net, or coating …

It’s OK to Lament

First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 64:1-9 I Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in …