Texts:   Isaiah 63:7-9  •   Psalm 148  •   Hebrews 2:10-18  •   Matthew 2:13-23   You would never know it these days, but the Christmas holiday has a fairly checkered past. It’s not clear that it was celebrated at all during the first three centuries following Jesus’ death; and even once it was, it was generally overshadowed … Continue reading Sermon: Sunday, December 26, 2010: First Sunday after Christmas →

Texts:  Isaiah 9:2-7  •   Psalm 96  •   Titus 2:11-14  •   Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)   In that region there were shepherds living in the fields… I wonder, as we wander once again through this Christmas Eve ritual, what it was like for those shepherds, who lived where they worked. That’s an interesting detail in the gospel … Continue reading Sermon: Friday, December 24, 2010: Nativity of Our Lord (I) (Christmas Eve) →

Texts:  Isaiah 7:10-16  •  Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19  •  Romans 1:1-7  •  Matthew 1:18-25   To all God’s beloved children, who are called to be saints; Grace to you and peace from God our Parent and our brother, Jesus Christ. Amen. In my newsletter article earlier this month I mentioned how when I was in grade … Continue reading Sermon: Sunday, December 19, 2010: Fourth Sunday of Advent →