Sermons on Advent Candles:

Mary's Visit With Elizabeth Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 3, 2020

Given the immense social pressures & stigma that Mary was about to endure as an unwed mother, she sought & found solace with Elizabeth, who would believe the divine nature of her conception & understand its significance

LUKE 1: 39-45 MARY’S VISIT TO ELIZABETH We have before us the joyful encounter between two expectant mothers, Elisabeth and Mary. The angel Gabriel initiated it by relaying to Mary the grace God bestowed on her cousin Elisabeth (v. 36), in her old age. So Mary goes to visit Elizabeth to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:35-45

Denomination: Baptist

Taking Up The Mantle

Contributed by Bryan Lassiter on Dec 4, 2020

Advent 2, 2020 We are challenged by Mark's gospel to take up the mantle of Isaiah - just like John the Baptist

Taking up the Mantle Mark 1:1-8 Matthew has a Christmas story in which Joseph is prominent. Luke has a Christmas story. Even John has a Christmas story from a cosmic perspective where the Word became flesh. But is there a Christmas story in Mark? Let us see. From first appearances, it kinda ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:3-5

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus Is Coming Soon

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Dec 4, 2020

A reflection on how to be ready for Jesus to come as we prepare in the Advent Season.

12.9.20 Revelation 22:20 20 The one who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Jesus Is Coming Soon What will we give Him? Here’s a little fact you may not have known about our preschool teacher. She’s a twin. Not only that, but if I have ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:20

Denomination: Lutheran

The Earth Mover

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 7, 2020

John the Baptist was a spiritual "bulldozer" calling us to move the rhythms and rhymes of this world towards God's justice.

December 6, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8 The Earth Mover Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Consider Christmas

Contributed by Rev. Timothy Porter on Dec 11, 2020

Some of you grumble about the holidays and you gripe about how people begin preparing for Christmas earlier each year. You fuss about all the activities and the expense this season brings into your lives

CONSIDER CHRISTMAS With Pastor~Timothy G. Porter The Bridge Church Upstate John 1:1-5 Introduction: So, here we are. We are at the beginning of a very special time of the year. The season that began this past Thursday (Thanksgiving) and runs through New Years has come to be known ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Star & The Wise Men

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 12, 2020

Not only did shepherds see a light on the night Jesus was born, but God made a star appear to men far away so people everywhere would know that His Son had been born.

THE STAR & THE WISE MEN Matt. 2:1-12 INTRODUCTION VIDEO: A. HUMOR 1. I came across a collection of letters that children wrote to Santa Claus. Some of them were pretty good. One said, "Dear Santa, you did not bring me anything good last year. You did not bring me anything good the year ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Captives Free

Contributed by Ian Hyde on Apr 29, 2019

Just as God was faithful to Israel by returning them to the land and restoring the nation when all hope had seemed lost; so today, Christ is faithful to transform ashes into a beautiful headdress, a spirit of mourning into the oil of gladness, and a faint spirit into a garment of praise.

A PEOPLE IN EXILE I want you to close your eyes for a moment. Now imagine with me that you are an Israelite during the Babylonian Exile around 2,500 years ago, standing on the bank of the Euphrates River. You look downstream as two priests and a small crowd gather to perform an “Opening of the ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

Joseph's Obedience: The Message Of Peace Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 20, 2018

Matthew 1:18-25 highlights that obedience as seen through the: 1) The Predicament of Joseph (Matthew 1:18-19), 2) The Point to Joseph (Matthew 1:20-21), 3) The Prophecy for Joseph (Matthew 1:22-23), and 4) The Performance of Joseph (Matthew 1:24-25)

Families have various expectations for one another at Christmas. Regardless of how far away you might live, many times they expect a visit or even a grand get together for Christmas. Regardless of the reason, the various means of travel from air, train or road are often congested and difficult. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Other

"After Christmas... Now What?”

Contributed by Bubot Parago on Dec 25, 2018

The purpose of these Christmas stories, as recorded by the authors of the gospels, is to remind us that the silent, holy night of unnatural calm that we celebrate on Christmas is really the point of the eye of the storm.

The Christmas season would be over next week.... “AFTER THE ADVENT SEASON... NOW WHAT?” Let’s follow the footsteps of the Family as they continue their trek to God’s plans and purposes.... for His Glory.... It is also in great relation and realization for everyone of us here as we enter 2019.... ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

Unexpected And Expecting Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 26, 2018

The Holy Spirit works quietly within us, bringing new things into being

Unexpected and Expecting Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. I had the good fortune of attending a baby shower a week ago. Baby showers are joyous occasions. Everyone celebrates the advent of this little one soon to enter our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

Denomination: Lutheran

For To Us A Child Is Born

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 23, 2016

The concept of hope as set forth in Isaiah 9:1-7 shows us that just as God dispelled the darkness at creation, so he will bring light into a world made dark by sin and unbelief.

Scripture Tonight is Christmas Eve. During Advent, I have preached a series of messages on the Old Testament Scripture Readings that I am calling, “Advent in Isaiah.” In about 740 BC God called Isaiah to be a minister of his Word to Jerusalem and the southern kingdom of Judah. The culture had ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Prepare!

Contributed by John Oscar on Feb 8, 2017

Preparing our hearts for the wonder of Christmas

Prepare WHAG December 18th, 2016 Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5 You’ve probably noticed that we are doing the Christmas season a little different this year. We are celebrating the Advent Wreath, focusing more on prayer and meditation during the service, and trying to focus more on the real reason for ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Characters Of Christmas: The Angels Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Nov 20, 2017

A look at the angels around the manger.

Let’s talk about angels. The prominence of angels in the Christmas story is obvious, from the Christmas card we send, to the decorations on our trees, to the adornment of our yards, we’re surrounded by angels. We even have an angel hanging in our front yard here at FUMC in the Nativity scene. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:20-24, Luke 2:9-15

Denomination: Methodist

Joy To The World, The Lord Has Come Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 2, 2017

In the account of Christ’s advent in John 1:19-37, we see a 1) Joyful Preparation (John 1:19-28), a 2) Joyful Arrival (John 1:29-34) and a resulting 3) Joyful Response (John 1:35-37).

If you're the type of person who counts down the days until your local radio station starts playing nonstop Christmas music, you might want to brace yourself for some bad news. Apparently listening to Christmas music on loop could have some negative effects on your mental health, according to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-37

Denomination: Other

A Man Named John

Contributed by Jonathan Meyer on Dec 11, 2017

This Advent sermon looks at John the Baptist: The Man, The Mission, & The Message. God unexpectedly worked through John. He now chooses to work through us as witnesses. (Based loosely on "The Word Became Flesh" Advent series from Concordia Seminary, STL.)

Forensic scientists in England analyzed the venerated remains from a certain grave, a few years ago. The corpse of the individual being observed was male. He was no more than five feet tall, and he had a broken nose. He lived in the 4th Century AD. And, despite being dug up in Italy, he was ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran