Sermons on Advent 1b:

Joseph The Holy Man Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Dec 9, 2013

Not much is said about Joseph the husband of Mary in the Holy Bible. But the simplicity of his story in Matthew 1 can lead to some conclusions indicating that he was a man who loved God and had amazing character traits! PTL!!

How do you react when something totally unexpected and earth shattering happens in your life? We can learn a lot from how Joseph responded to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. Matthew 1:18-25 “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Nazarene

Jesus Christ Is Coming To Town

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 11, 2013

There is someone coming in red and white, but not Santa. It is Jesus in a white robe stained with blood.

Jesus Christ is Coming to Town John 12:9-19 It had since He had come to town. The last time he had been there a notable miracle had taken place. Lazarus, who had been dead for four days was raised from the dead at the command of Jesus. Jesus had raised Jairus’ daughter from the sleep of ...read more

Scripture: John 12:9-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What If Christ Would Have Not Come? (Hix)

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Dec 20, 2013

The good news that Jesus was born and lived and died and rose again!!

Matthew 1:23-“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” If Christ had not come, the world would still be in darkness. If Christ had not come, we would not know what love is. If Christ had not come, there ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"Jesus Came To Reveal His Glory"

Contributed by Sean Harder on Dec 23, 2013

Jesus came to reveal His glory.

“Jesus Came to Reveal His Glory” (John 17:1-5) It’s clear from the Bible that the apostle John was the closest to Jesus. He appears to be the one Jesus loved the most and in his writing we see an intimacy that we don’t see in the other gospels. This is especially true in ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-5

Glory To God In The Highest

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Dec 23, 2013

Handel’s Messiah had a song “AND THE GLORY”. So easily we can miss what it means, “AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE AROUND THEM.” This phrase is a powerful revelation of the Lord God’s presence at Christmas

TITLE: GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST SCRIPTURE: ST. LUKE 2:8-14 What a Celebration this morning for Christmas Sunday. We have had a blessed Advent Season and what a spirit filled Christmas Candlelight Service this past Wednesday. Most of you really missed a treat. Surprisingly, for Oklahoma, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Is About Our Reaction Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 19, 2015

This message looks at how various folks in the Christmas Story responded to what was happening.

Last week we celebrated Christmas with our children’s presentation, which I’m sure Marilyn and her crew would testify is kind of like herding cats. And that was part of the process that led Charlie Brown to ask in frustration, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Mary, You Did Know!

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Dec 22, 2015

Comedian Mark Lowry wrote what has now become a classic Christmas song entitled Mary, Did You Know. This message answers his question that yes, Mary did know that her son was the face of God.

Mary, You Did Know! Luke 1: 39 – 56 The big news this week has been The Voice finals. Yes, a young man by the name of Jordan Smith captured America’s attention (and their votes) with a stirring rendition of the now classic Christmas song Mary, Did You Know. Smith closed the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-56

Denomination: Methodist

Discerning A Turning Point In History Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 13, 2014

Christians must discern whether changes in the culture are actually movements of the Spirit, or not.

Thursday of the 3rd Week in Advent 2014 Joy of the Gospel Yesterday we began the second phase of our Advent preparation. We ceased calling on Christ to return in glory, and we began our proximate preparation for the commemoration of the humble birth of the righteous branch who grew up to reign as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Catholic

The Obedience Of Faith

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 13, 2014

Faith is critical, but it was not enough in the life of Mary, and it is not enough in our own life. What is needed is the obedience of faith.

Fourth Sunday in Advent 2014 My most intense memory of today’s Gospel–which unlike the rest of this year is taken from the writings of St. Luke–is of singing it at a Mass celebrated where the angel appeared to Mary. It was in Nazareth, in 2005, with a pilgrimage group. The ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:25-27

Denomination: Catholic

Prepare For Christmas

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 23, 2018

How should we prepare for the birthday of King Jesus? John the Baptist calls us to repentance, to preparing the way for him into our lives and making straight a highway into our hearts.

[Sermon preached on 17 December 2017, 3rd Sunday in Advent / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] Every year again I am surprised how much time and energy goes into preparing for Christmas. So many things to do… and in the end so few things that really matter. The famous American author John Grisham wrote ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-27, Deuteronomy 18:15-19

Denomination: Lutheran

First In Everything! (A Christmas Sermon)

Contributed by David Mende on Dec 1, 2018

Christ deserves the first place in all things: in our lives, in our families, in our time, in our conversations, in our studies, in our mission and ministry, in our jobs and businesses, in our decisions, and in everything! I would be delighted if you could rate this sermon and give brief feedback.

INTRODUCTION (SECURE ATTENTION) & BACKGROUND OF THE PASSAGE: PRAY before starting the sermon. We live in a pluralistic society and thus presenting the uniqueness of Christ is a great challenge. Some see Jesus as a great teacher. Some see Him as a prophet. Others perceive Him as a great ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

I’ll Be Back!

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Dec 5, 2018

The Advent season is all about Jesus coming to earth. And he's coming again! Jesus reminds us to watch for the signs of his return, to live with purpose, and to pray.

Luke 21:25-36 I’ll Be Back! Every year children from around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas morning. Retailers push their sales upon us. Consumers invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring happiness in others. And the countdown begins: 23 days of shopping ‘til ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36, Daniel 7:13-14, 1 Corinthians 11:26

Denomination: Baptist

The Axe Is Laid To The Roots

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 8, 2018

What does it mean to repent?

The Axe is Laid to the Roots Luke 3:7-18 As we come to the third Sunday of Advent, we continue in the third chapter of Luke. Last week, we saw who John the Baptist was, what God had called Him to do, and where he performed his mission. This week we will look at how this mission was carried ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christmas Series Christmas Party: The Protestors Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Dec 11, 2019

In the midst of the birth of Jesus, not everyone was happy. Not everyone marveled at what they heard. Not everyone judged the Son of God being born as a baby as a good, holy, and righteous event.

CHRISTMAS SERIES CHRISTMAS PARTY: THE PROTESTORS MATTHEW 2:1-23, #ChristmasParty CHRISTMAS SERIES 12/1 Christmas Party: The Angels 12/8 Christmas Party: The Shepherds 12/15 Christmas Party: The Protesters (Herod) 12/22 Christmas Party: The Birthday Boy INTRODUCTION… Not Everyone Likes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Difference A Child Maakes: Zechariah Discovers Hope

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Dec 16, 2019

What would Zechariah say if he were suddenly dropped in our world? Perhaps he would tell us about his struggle to maintain hope and how God came and met his deepest longings.

Good morning. My name is Zechariah. I understand from your pastor that you observe this day as the Second Sunday in Advent and that you are preparing yourselves for the birth of the Messiah. Well, I was there when God was first preparing Israel for the Messiah. And so your pastor asked me to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-17