The Advent-Christmas season is characterized by stories, and so this morning I offer you a story written by Mary Quattelbaum entitled The Shine Man, and illustrated by Tim Ladwig … and some sermonic commentary. Hear that rickety-rack of wheels over track? Hear the cry of the train? Oh, it takes me back to a tale…
Preachers love this time of the year. Because we get to take pot shots at people, for all the crummy priorities folks have during the Christmas season. We complain because you spend too much money on Christmas presents … while we ourselves are walking the mall and enjoying shopping for our loved ones. We whine…
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ” -Matthew 3:3 At the heart of our Advent preparation stands figures who gather and call us to action. During the Traditional service we hear the voice of John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and…
New Day Sermon Pentecost 8 When the Gospel is read out loud in church and the reader says, “Enjoy the sermon…” you may figure it’s Bible story that is a little tricky! Today’s reading is from Mark 6, the beheading of John the Baptist. And yes, there is good news…
And Herodias had a grudge against him [John the Baptist], and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John. –Mark 6: 19-20 Preparing for Worship Self-consciousness and guilt are useless unless they drive us to God. Herod and his wife prove it. They knew right from wrong, as we do. Herod assuaged…
New Day Sermon nativity of john the baptist How do we resolve the dichotomy between the beautiful description of John’s future through the words of Zechariah’s Benedictus, and the actual craziness of the Baptist’s future ministry in the wilderness? Tune in for one possible answer.
