Sermons

The Finest of Wine

As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so Jesus Christ rejoices over us. He delights in us. He tells us “you are mine.” In his first public miracle, Jesus transformed water intended for ceremonial purification into the finest of wine, a symbol of his most precious blood, which would soon be shed to purify us from all unrighteousness, completely and forever. It was the Father’s will to purify us in this way, and to put faith in our hearts that we might know that Jesus Christ is Lord.

With you I am well pleased.

When Jesus had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Because we belong to the Son, we also are beloved of the Father. Because we are cleansed of all unrighteousness, so with us also the Father is well pleased. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Go with the Wise Men.

It is already 2025. Life goes by quickly, and the question is ever more urgent: “where are we going?” We would do well to follow the pattern of the Wise Men. First, let God lead, and be willing to leave the comfortable and familiar behind. Second, go with purpose: to find, to know, and to worship the king. Third, return to serve him with new courage and a different attitude.

The Very Light of God

The Very Light of God has come to this fallen world, the light which darkness cannot overcome. This is why we celebrate Christmas!

Receive Him with Joy

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” – (Simeon’s song)

“And our eyes at last shall see him through his own redeeming love, for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in Heaven above. And he leads his children on to the place where he has gone.” – (from “Once in Royal David’s City”)

Magnificat

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

Even in darkness, we can rejoice.

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice… The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Peace of Christ

As Jesus Christ came to give us peace with God our Father through his birth and sacrifice, so He will one day come again to judge the living and the dead, and take us to be with Him forever. As children we need not fear the wrath of His coming. But let us again prepare the way of the Lord; let us repent and turn back to God. No matter how far we have strayed, He is not far from us; when we turn, he is there in an instant, ready to accept and forgive, and bless us with His Peace.

Blessed is the King

“I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” Jeremiah 33:15

Out of the darkness, from a dead tree stump, a lovely and fragrant rose appeared, a righteous branch destined to become a mighty tree of life over all the world, providing shelter, comfort and peace to those who seek its shade. Today we wait in a different kind of darkness, that of the “now and not yet”. Now, though still sinners, we take comfort in “the Lord our righteousness.” But someday when we welcome Christ at his return, then will we proclaim “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” as did the crowds at the triumphal entry long ago. Unlike them however, we will shout our praise *knowing* that the justice he executed was our punishment taken upon himself, and that his righteousness was given to us because of that sacrifice. He made our peace with God the Father forever. What marvelous love!
Hosanna in the Highest!

Stay awake.

We are to keep watch, that is, to stay awake, for we do not know the day or the hour of our Lord’s return.
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Not to stay awake means a deadening of spiritual awareness. We tend to lose diligence in following Him. We grow lazy in our faith.
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The Christian saint, Nicholas, (the real Santa Claus), expressed his love for God in loving his fellow man through goodness and generosity to the poor and needy. St. Nicholas’ gifts bring to mind Christ’s teaching “in as much as you have done so to the least of these, you have done it unto me.” Like St. Nicholas, we too are to care for others, as we share the gospel and wait for the Lord’s return. Even as we stay awake, we can rest in the promise that Christ our Lord is always with us.