Jeremiah 6:13-14 “On the Tiptoe of Expectation”

This standing on tiptoe reminds us that Advent is about expectation, not passive waiting. Advent is related to our word “adventure,” and there is nothing passive about an adventure. Adventurous expectation, as Presbyterian minister Marc Mullinax reminds us, posts a vigilant watch and prepares for that which is promised. God’s reign can break in at any time, and it is our sacred duty to prepare for a God-shaped destiny.  Continue reading

Luke 1:26 38 “Those Blasted Angels”

What do you think of when you hear the word “angel”? Chubby babies with little, tiny wings? Effeminate men in bright robes washed in heavenly light with impressive wings? (Have you ever wondered how they sit or sleep at night?) Many of our images of angels come from European paintings,… Continue reading

“Where is Peace?” Ephesians 2:13-15 II Peter 3: 8-15a (An Advent Sermon)

In anticipation of the Messiah’s birth, there was a word from the prophet Isaiah: He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9) Zechariah, the father of John the Baptizer, spoke these words about the birth of his own son: He will give light… Continue reading

Matthew 31:1-12 “Preparing the Way of the Lord”

The first week of Advent is usually associated with John the Baptizer. According to the Gospels, John was chosen by God to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. So, he is especially helpful as we approach this season of preparation and expectation.  John was certainly a strange religious figure,… Continue reading

Isaiah 11:1-9 “And a Little Child Shall Lead Them”

Have you ever been disappointed in a politician? Have you ever voted for a politician because you believed in what he or she promised or supposedly stood for, only to learn later that this politician was like all the rest? Well, in one sense we have only ourselves to blame…. Continue reading

Revelation 22:17, 20-21 “Expectation and Invitation”

Advent is a time for expectation and anticipation. Most sermons preached on the first Sunday of Advent are based on passages from the Old Testament prophets– passages in which the prophets look to the future for the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and to the whole world. In their… Continue reading