Sermons on Advent 1c:

What Are You Bringing To The Party

Contributed by Darrell Williams on Nov 19, 2019

There are a lot of things that you can bring to any situation, but bringing your best is the ideal gift.

In the movie House Party, Kid (Christopher Reid) is dying to go to a party hosted by his friend Play (Christopher Martin). Unfortunately, Kid has gotten into some trouble with the local bullies at school and, after a note from the principal's office arrives at home, he's grounded by his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, Lamentations 3:25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Gift Of Hope Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 28, 2019

Luke presents this "Gift of Hope" in Christ through: 1) The Divine Messenger (Luke 1:26), 2) The Divine Choice (Luke 1:27), 3)The Divine Blessing (Luke 1:28–30), and 4) The Divine Child (Luke 1:31-33).

Luke 1:26-33 [26] In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27]to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. [28] And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-33

Denomination: Other

Joy Born At Christmas

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Dec 11, 2019

The prophet Isaiah teaches us about joy born at Christmas: to encourage joy in others, to receive joy's healing, and to pursue joy in community. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"

Isaiah 35:1-10 Joy Born at Christmas We concluded last week’s service with the great carol, “Joy to the World.” Joy is a distinctly Christian trait. It goes beyond happiness. Someone once said, “Happiness comes from happenings, but joy comes from Jesus.” Your happiness may fluctuate up and down, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10, Philippians 4:4

Denomination: Baptist

The Gift Of Joy Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 13, 2019

1) Joyful Pardon (Isaiah 12:1-3), responding with a 2) Joyful Proclamation (Isaiah 12:4-5) and finally because of the 3) Joyful Presence of the Messiah Himself (Isaiah 12:6).

ISAIAH 12:1–6 You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. 2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6

Denomination: Other

Tracking The Package Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Dec 14, 2019

I have to say to you the Scripture is quite clear, this is no ordinary package, this is Christ the Lord.

Introduction: Package shipping has come along way. Usually, you receive an email from the seller telling you that your package has shipped, and giving you your tracking number. You go to the carrier’s page and enter your tracking number, and most of them will ask you if you want shipping updates, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-46

Denomination: Baptist

Joy Series

Contributed by Suzanne Wall on Dec 15, 2019

In today's readings, Advent is a promise of joyful disruption.

Joy Last year, I also got to speak for the third Sunday of Advent. But turns out I can’t just repeat that sermon. Last year, the bible passages were about Advent bringing a promise of joyful reconciliation. This year, I’d say the readings are about Advent as a promise of joyful disruption. Isaiah ...read more

What Child Is This?

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Dec 16, 2019

Jesus is not just one of many great men in history. His coming is unique, wonderful.

On Wednesday I went down to join the Mother’s Day Out kids for a few minutes and tell them a Bible story. When I was done, Julie Dion wanted to take my picture with the kids, so they crowded around. I told them that my kids were mostly grown up now so I don’t get to have little kids on my lap ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 9:6-7

The Difference A Child Makes: Mary

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Dec 16, 2019

Hear from Mary herself what the Christmas story meant to her.

Good morning! My name is Mary. I am the mother of Jesus. My journey in life has embraced the good and the beautiful and also the painful, but always God has been with me. My son and my savior is no longer with us, but his disciple, John has taken care of my needs and been like a son to me since ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46-55

The Gift Of Love Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 19, 2019

In Malachi 3:1-4 we see the Father's "Gift of Love" in the promise of His Son through a series of predictions (i.e., announcements regarding the future). In verses 1-4 we can see love from (1) The Coming Lord (Malachi 3:1-2) and from (2) The Purifying Lord (Malachi 3:3–4).

Malachi 3:1-4 [3:1]"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. [2] But who can endure the day of his ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4

Denomination: Other

Incarnation. A Miracle To The Max

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Dec 23, 2019

The message explains the magnitude of the incarnation and its ongoing reality.

Title: Miracle To The Max Text: phil 2:5-11 Subject: what does the incarnation really mean theologically? - (tell us about God ...Christmas) Complement: it means God became human...is human...remains human – and also divine. Idea: “he came down from his glory to bring us up to his ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15, Philippians 2:5-11, John 1:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Arise And Shine Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jun 28, 2021

Advent is a celebration of hope concerning the arrival and appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This message looks at some of the symbolism and prophecies related to Advent. This sermon can also be used for Epiphany.

We just lit the second Advent candle; and so, this morning, I want to take some time to discuss in detail what the season of Advent is all about. But allow me to first begin with an illustration from the Vietnam War era, which was around the 1960’s. This illustration is from someone who was ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Rachel's Sorrow

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 6, 2016

However crafty, however ruthless Herod might have been, he could be no more successful than his evil superior Satan. The Redeemer would come just as was planned, would live just as planned, and would die just as planned.

Matthew 2:13-18 Rachel’s Sorrow 12/15/02 D. Marion Clark Introduction I do like our Live Nativity we put on at our church. We show the manger scene; we have a full inn, a market square retail booth, angels singing to shepherds, and a tax collector at his booth. We even have the three ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Birth Of John Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 14, 2016

One day, John the Baptist would stand at the water's edge, see his cousin Jesus walking towards him, and would cry out, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Luke 1:57-80 The Birth of John 12/19/04 D. Marion Clark Introduction Is there a more momentous event than the birth of a child? We hear people say when they have experienced some great achievement or honor, “Next to the birth of my child this is the greatest experience of my life.” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:57-80

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Zechariah And Elizabeth – A Story Of Hope Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 9, 2016

Advent is the good news that there is hope regardless of your situation

Most of you are probably familiar with the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The movie begins with George Bailey about to commit suicide in Bedford Falls, New York on Christmas Eve in 1945. As the prayers of his friends are heard in heaven an angel apprentice named ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-66

Denomination: Baptist

Herod And The Magi – A Story Of Adoration Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 9, 2016

Like the magi’s journey to Bethlehem, a life devoted to the adoration of Jesus is costly and requires preparation and often takes us through difficulty.

Sometime early in this century it became fashionable to use the expression “war on Christmas” to cover everything related to any kind of controversy about the observance of Christmas in our culture. While some of the issues that fall under that heading certainly ought to be of concern ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist