Sermons on First Advent:

Making Room For Christmas

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 11, 2009

The good news this Christmas is that you can be God’s child, if you will receive Him into your life.

[ Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-6 - Read at start of worship ] I want to again express a special welcome… especially to those who may have come for the first time. I know it’s no small thing to come to a gathering with people you don’t yet know. I’d like to reassure you that most of those here are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Jesus We Can Grab On To

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Dec 7, 2003

A pastor tells a story on himself that took place on Christmas Eve many years ago. The bishop was readying his family to go to a candlelight service over which he would preside. On the way to the church, the pastor’s son asked, “Dad, are you going to let

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: A pastor tells a story on himself that took place on Christmas Eve many years ago. The bishop was readying his family to go to a candlelight service over which he would preside. On the way to the church, the pastor’s son asked, “Dad, are you going to let us enjoy ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14

The Difference

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Dec 22, 2002

Jesus Christ came to those who needed: 1. A friend. 2. A change. 3. A Savior

Two weeks ago we talked about the importance of the Old Testament prophecies about God sending his Son into the world. They provided such hope for those who waited in darkness. Last week we talked about the fulfillment of those prophecies and what they meant in the lives of the people who lived ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-35

Denomination: Methodist

Are You The One ?

Contributed by Tim Zukas on Dec 11, 2004

Christmas Sermon - Which Jesus do you want for Christmas

I have a secret to tell you. I’ve picked out a present for my wife, Linda. I am getting her a beautiful 2 caret diamond ring in a platinum setting. It looks great! I admit that it isn’t exactly what she asked for, but I searched and searched on-line and just couldn’t find anywhere where I could get ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mary's Song

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jan 8, 2002

The extraordinary happened to Mary. Are we ready to experience the extraordinary as well?

First Baptist Church December 23, 2001 Luke 1:39-55 Mary’s Song Have you ever had a simple, ordinary day; and something extraordinary happens? You didn’t expect it, you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

Denomination: Baptist

"Responding To Christmas" Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Dec 3, 2007

From the examples of Herod and the Wise Men, we can learn about how we should respond to the message and meaning of Christmas.

The gifts that the Magi brought to honor Jesus are often cited in any attempt to explain the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas. Too often, however, our focus at Christmas is more of the gifts we receive, rather than the Gift God gave. A family celebrated Christmas each year by singing “Happy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Present And Future Kingdom

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 16, 2005

God’s plan from the beginning was for his creation from Adam and Eve to the present day to be part of His Kingdom. From Scripture we discover several facts about the Kingdom of God.

A Present and Future Kingdom Luke 1:26-33 “And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:33 (NLT) Luke’s gospel gives us two historical birth announcements. The first announcement was to elderly Zechariah, with the angel Gabriel informing him that his elderly wife, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-33

Denomination: Free Methodist

"The Shepherds' Faith"

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 16, 2002

Their faith takes them to the stable, and beyond.

“The Shepherds’ Faith” Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts In a survey, nearly a third of those questioned stated that, of all the persons mentioned in the Christmas story, they identified the most with the shepherds. They were your average, ordinary, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Congregational

Will You Be My Neighbor? Series

Contributed by Jim Kane on Dec 3, 2001

One of the ways that we reach and touch others as we build bridges of care and friendship in Christ’s name is by reaching out to our neighbors like the innkeeper

(Begin with side entrance to the theme of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Go through the opening routine.) For many years Fred Rogers sang to us, "Will you be my neighbor?" The idea of the neighbor came into the discussion between a Pharisee and Jesus Christ when Jesus was asked, "Who is my neighbor?" ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Church Of God

Who Was Jesus? Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Dec 8, 2003

Questions and answers to the possibilities of who Jesus was.

This is the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning celebration of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of Christ’s second coming. We will break from our monthly message series to help us prepare for Christmas in a meaningful way. This is a tough task. I’m competing with the millions of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:23

Denomination: *other

Mary's Recipe For Christmas Joy

Contributed by Don Schultz on Dec 18, 2003

What must you combine to find joy this Christmas season? Mary reveals her recipe for joy in the Magnificat.

Luke 1:39-55 MARY’S RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS JOY What is the recipe for the perfect Christmas cookie? A few weeks ago many of our members baked cookies at home, and we gathered those cookies onto plates and delivered them to area businesses – just a way of sending a Christmas greeting to the people ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55, Luke 1:41-45

Denomination: Lutheran

A Good Place To Start

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Dec 7, 2002

Second Sunday in Advent: The evangelist Mark starts with John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. He seems to leave out Christmas. But perhaps, for us, it is a ’good place to start.’

The Gospel Lesson today is one of the most interesting Advent / Christmas lessons in all of scripture. I say that because - did you notice that something seems to be missing? There is no mention of Christmas in this Gospel. Mark mentions neither the miraculous conception nor the birth of Jesus. And ...read more

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

Denomination: Lutheran

"Hope In The Midst Of Hopelessness" Series

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Nov 26, 2004

Where does hope come from and how do we get it when life brings us to the point of hopelessness?

Iliff and Saltillo UM churches First Sunday of Advent November 28, 2004 “Hope in the Midst of Hopelessness” Isaiah 2:1-5 INTRODUCTION: Today is the first Sunday of Advent and our theme is HOPE. What is hope? Emily Dickenson puts it this way: “Hope” is the thing with feathers-- That ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 64:1

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus Brings Us Love

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Dec 4, 2004

This is a sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent based on Matthew 11:28-30 and the appropriate aria and chorus from the same passage in Handle’s MESSIAH.

Jesus Brings Us Love --Matthew 11:28-30 I think I’ve shared all this with you in the past, but it bears repeating today. I love all types of music. My favorite hymn is Charles Wesley’s “And Can It Be”; my favorite gospel song is Fanny Crosby’s “To God Be the Glory”; my favorite praise and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Methodist

Joy In The Shadowlands

Contributed by Kathy Findley on Oct 25, 2003

The premise of this sermon is that even in the midst of life’s sorrow, there is a depth of joy that abides within us.

Advent III – Joy Luke 2:26-55 In the wonderfully reflective book entitled, The Prophet, one can contemplate these words: The woman questioned the one she called Prophet of God, saying: “Speak to us now of Joy and Sorrow”. And he answered: The same well from which you laughter rises was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:26-55

Denomination: Baptist