Sermons on Happy Holidays:

The First Sunday Of Advent, Year C: Not Very Christmasy.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 12, 2024

The Church tells the Christmas Story backwards: the focus is to prepare for the coming of the Lord: at the end of the world, and when Christ comes for us at the end of our individual worlds, at death.

Our Gospel from St. Luke today is a little unsettling. Not very Christmasy. Unseasonal thoughts about the end of the world. Yet, the word Advent from the Latin, adventus, means “coming.” The Church tells the Christmas Story backwards: the focus is to prepare for the coming of the Lord: at the end ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:36

Denomination: Catholic

Waiting

Contributed by Kevin Litchfield on Oct 11, 2005

This sermon focuses on the power of waiting.

Christmas is a few days a way. For some of you that brings excitement. For others anxiety and stress. Regardless of the emotion, I hope this week gives you the opportunity to reflect upon our question, What is the day truly all about? As we have sought to answer this question, we have looked at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:33

Denomination: Baptist

Fact Or Fantasy?

Contributed by Paul Stokes on Dec 20, 2005

Carol Service sermon asking whether we regard the Christmas story as merely a story, or are there facts which should make us sit up and respond?

Christmas is a wasteful time ! Not a waste of time, but a wasteful time. In 1998 the UK threw away 2.5 billion cards, worth £350 million in the shops. If you stuck these cards end to end they would have stretched 236,000 miles - that’s nine times round the globe! We used a massive 85,000 miles ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

After Christmas - Angels

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Mar 31, 2011

After Christmas 2010 focusing on the angels.

Luke 2:8-15 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Living In Hope Series

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Dec 2, 2019

This sermon focuses on the hope of Advent. Our community suffered the devastation of Hurricane Michael and we spent 2019 reacting to the chaos. This series is an encouragement to turn the corner and find newness in God's hope and mercy.

Preparing for 2020: Living in Hope 1967. The Doors. The lyrics? “Come on baby, light my fire, Try to… set the night… on fire.” I will begin something today that I’ve never done before, in addition to quoting the Doors in a sermon. For Advent, I’m going to preach a sermon series. This ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5

Denomination: Episcopal

Look Into The Face Of Christ, And See The Heart Of God.

Contributed by Don Schultz on Dec 6, 2001

Because we cannot ascend to God (which is attempted during the Christmas season), God descends to us, and gives us meaning and joy.

Luke 2:1-20 Look Into The Face of Christ, and See the Heart of God. Of all the holidays during the calendar year, both secular and religious, I would describe Christmas as a high-effort holiday. We have lots of low-effort holidays, like Memorial Day or Labor Day. How much effort do those ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Joy In Salvation Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jan 29, 2007

Exposition of 1 Peter 1:3-9

Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Title: Joy in Salvation Date/Place: LSCC, 5/1/05, AM I. INTRODUCTION A. Opening illustration: Illustrations file- Joy—“Prescription for Joylessness” B. Background to passage: These are Peter’s first words following the greeting to believers scattered all over Northern ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Baptist

No 'dead Dogs' In God's Eyes

Contributed by David Mcnally on Jan 28, 2012

The Bible says: 'Encourage one another'. So many people believe that if there is a God, He could not, should not love. If salvation is possible, that they are 'not good enough to be saved'. That they are unworthy or too sinful. This is a lie of the devil.

OT – 2nd Samuel 9:1-13 NT – Matthew 5 verses 11-16 Sermon: No dead dogs to God ‘I feel like a dog!’ So someone said ‘How long have you felt like that?’ The answer was ‘Since I was a puppy!’. I know things are bad for many people. None of us and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Open Your Hearts Door To God's Plan" Series

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Mar 24, 2003

We must open our heart to God’s plan.

liff & Saltillo UM Churches December 29, 2002 “Open Your Heart’s Door to God’s Plan” Luke 2:8-20 Introduction: “There came a time--at the best time, at the right time--when the mighty Son of God turned His back on all the beauty and happiness of His forever home. And somehow--no one knows just ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Methodist

Missing It

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Dec 12, 2008

Despite the best efforts of the P.C. crowd the gospel can be seen and heard everywhere at this time of year but... how many are "Missing It"?

Dakota Community Church December 14, 2008 (am) Missing It Galatians 4:4 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons John 1:10-12 10He was in the world, and though the world was ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-5

Denomination: Mennonite

Blessings In Disguise

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Nov 22, 2020

Sermon for the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving, thank God for all the things that He has done for you and given you ... and for all the things that He hasn’t done or given you.

The holiday season has once again rolled around and people are wondering where did the year go. It seems like Thanksgiving is over in most people’s minds. The stores are already filled with Christmas decorations, children and grandchildren are already making their lists and wondering what’s ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Giving Vs. Receiving Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 3, 2013

We need to remember that God gave us the perfect gift of Jesus and we in return need to give Him the perfect gift which is our hearts!

Series: Practical Proverbs Thesis: The primary message of Proverbs is “Get wisdom or act and look like a fool!” Sermon 1 & 2: Wise vs. foolish We learned that wisdom is God given not manmade but foolishness is manmade not God given. We learned that wisdom is given by God to us so that ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Give Your Christian Testimony - Part 1

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 17, 2009

What if no one had ever shared the gospel with you? You would be hopeless, lost and unforgiven. This is why God wants us to share our faith. God wants you to give your Christian testimony, and Paul shows us how.

How to Give Your Christian Testimony - Part 1 Acts 26:1-11 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - March 26, 2008 (Background Acts 25:11-27) *What if no one had ever shared the gospel with you? -Everything would be different! -- No purpose, no meaning, no spiritual help, no foundation ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Truth About Rest Series

Contributed by Paul Kuzma on Jan 2, 2002

By accepting the truth about rest we can find the peace and joy that God intends to bring through the seasons of life.

STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS: THE TRUTH ABOUT REST Matthew 11:28-30 & various I. INTRODUCTION A. Stress-Free Holidays — I believe they can happen! 1. The desire of my heart is that you receive everything the Lord has for you in this holiday season, for each individual and each family. 2. I believe the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Foursquare

How Will You Light Your Christmas?

Contributed by Joe Jones on Jan 21, 2002

Today is the first Sunday in Advent….a time for us to begin our preparations for the celebration of THE ONE that would change the face of the earth with his life. It’s the season when you and I participate in an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

How Will You Light Your Christmas? Dec 2, 2001 Today is the first Sunday in Advent….a time for us to begin our preparations for the celebration of THE ONE that would change the face of the earth with his life. It’s the season when you and I participate in an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational