Sermons on First Advent:

Narnia: Always Winter Never Christmas

Contributed by James Byers on Nov 28, 2005

First Sunday of Advent using Narnia Illustration connectin winter to darkness in Isaiah 9 prophecy

Read (Isaiah 9:1-7, John 1:1-10) Winter is about to be here again. This season is the least favorite of most if not all people. It’s colder, days are shorter, more darkness, less activity. The trees and plants show little sign of life. The skies are usually more gray. The brisk air and the cold ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Love At First Sight Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Dec 26, 2024

John the Baptist was the Forerunner of Hope. Mary maintained Peace in a difficult calling. Angels proclaimed a time of great Joy for all. Today we want to see the Love that Jesus inspired in others - as an infant and even today.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT LUKE 2:21-40 Introduction In December we have observed the Advent Themes of Hope, Peace, Joy. -John the Baptist was the Forerunner of Hope -Mary maintained Peace in a difficult calling. -Angels proclaimed a time of great Joy for all. -Today we want to see the Love that Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Lasts

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Nov 29, 2021

A sermon for the first Sunday in Advent, Year C

November 28, 2021 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Luke 21:25-36 What Lasts Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. With this Sunday we turn the page to a new year on our church year calendar. The new year commences with the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Lutheran

Are We There Yet?

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 6, 2023

A sermon for the first Sunday in Advent, Year B

December 3, 2023 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Mark 13:24-37 Are We There Yet? Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “Are we there yet?” On long, family road trips, this is the constant children’s chorus. Are we there ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-37

Denomination: Lutheran

A Is For ...

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 2, 2024

A sermon for the first Sunday of Advent, Year C

December 1, 2024 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Luke 21:25-36 A Is For … Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Our themes for today all center around the letter A. The first A is for Advent. There are four Sundays in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Lutheran

The Prophecy Of Our Messiah Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Dec 18, 2021

R.C. Sproul once said, “What we celebrate is not so much the birth of a baby, but the incarnation of God Himself.” (Critical concept to remember – not just a birthday celebration!) Today, it is my prayer that we would be focused on this truth and that we’d see this story in a fresh light!

Introduction - “What is Advent?” -- The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival" -- The focus of this season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ -- His birth is his First Advent, his first coming, to a world in great need -- It also reflects on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 7:14, Psalm 132:11-12, Genesis 3:14-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Believing The Unbelievable

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Nov 10, 2005

Jospeh was just the first one to see how upside down Christ really was going to make the world.

Believing the Unbelievable (Reasoning with the Unreasonable?) Intro: There’s a book out you’ve probably heard of – it’s called Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, and its general point is that Men & Woman pretty much live on different planets. Well, when it came to finding out about the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

First Things First: Know Your Identity Series

Contributed by John Knight on Jul 22, 2003

A look at the life of Daniel and knowing who we are to be identified with.

Series: When Cultures Collide Topic: First Things First: Know Your Identity June 2, 2002 Daniel 1 Introduction: Are you a thermostat or a thermometer? [Are you one who impacts your world, or merely an indicator of what the climate is?] In today’s ever changing culture we as ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Holiness

Kingdom Building 101: First Things First

Contributed by Joe Harding on Mar 6, 2004

WHEN THE KINGDOM IS FIRST IN OUR LIVES WORRY IS LAST IN OUR LIVES.

KINGDOM BUILDING 101: FIRST THINGS FIRST MATTHEW 6: 25-34 FEBRUARY 22, 2004 INTRODUCTION: A parable is told of a community of ducks waddling off to duck church one Sunday to hear their duck preacher. After they waddled into the duck sanctuary, the service began and the duck preacher spoke ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

Keeping First Things First: Resisting Rules Series

Contributed by David Flowers on May 15, 2006

Using Colossians 2:11-17 as a basis, Dave looks into the second of three spiritual dangers, this one being religious legalism.

Keeping First Things First: Resisting Rules Jesus, Post-Resurrection part 4 Colossians 2:11-17 Wildwind Community Church May 14, 2006 In the first 10 verses of Colossians Paul confronts a danger that would keep believers from standing firm in their faith – that danger is what Paul called empty ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:11-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

The First Shall Be Last, And The Last Shall Be First

Contributed by Craig Condon on Apr 22, 2015

Jesus says that it isn’t the religious folk who are first in the kingdom of heaven. It is those who are most open to turning their lives around who are first in line, those who take action when Jesus says, “follow me”.

It’s painful to have someone you trust tell you that they are going to do something for you---and they don’t. Many of us can tell stories about people who have let us down by making promises and then not following up on them. For example, there is a story of a young widow whose husband ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

Denomination: Anglican

The Promise Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Patrick Mead on Nov 26, 2007

There are several “hugs from God” in Isaiah that remind us what Christmas is all about, and what it really means for those who have Christ in their hearts.

The Promise of Christmas Isaiah 7:1-8:4 Introduction: A pastor was preparing his sermon when his daughter came in and said, “Daddy, can you come and play with me?” Her father responded, “Honey, I need to finish my sermon, but give me an hour, and I will play with you.” “Okay,” said the girl, “And ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"First United Church"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Apr 5, 2018

A sermon about rallying around the Resurrection.

“First United Church” Acts 4:32-35 With the advent of Social Media such as Twitter and Facebook we have seen people become especially emboldened to argue, curse and call one another names—all from behind their computer screens and smart phones. It’s kind of like the phenomenon of how people can ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35

Denomination: United Methodist

The First Christmas Carol PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 16, 2023

This sermon emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and the hope and redemption His birth signifies.

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's that time of year again, isn't it? The chill in the air, the twinkling lights adorning our homes, the scent of pine and peppermint filling our senses. Yes, Christmas is upon us. But let's pause for a moment, shall we? Amidst the hustle and bustle of this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Topics: Christmas

Honor The Overlooked

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 27, 2005

This message consider the Shepherds that first heard of the birth of Jesus. The message gives honor to those who are often overlooked.

Honor the Overlooked Luke 2:8-20 This morning I want to consider the Shepherds that first heard of the birth of Jesus. I want us to give honor to those who are often overlooked. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who know me best that I have always ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Free Methodist