Category Archives: Christmas

The First Sunday After Christmas

Posted on December 27, 2017 by

God came in Jesus fully to reveal God’s love and forgiveness to all Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25, 4:4-7 John 1:1-18 John’s Prologue poetically tells us that Jesus existed in the beginning with God the Father and … Continue reading →

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Christmas Day

Posted on December 23, 2017 by

In the beginning there was the Word. Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12) John 1:1-14 The above readings are for Christmas III, most appropriate for Christmas Day, while readings for Christmas I and II are often used on Christmas … Continue reading →

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Advent 4, Year B

Posted on December 18, 2017 by

A mystery is revealed. 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 Today’s readings invite us to respond to the wonder and mystery of God with a clear and joyful “yes.” In 2 Samuel, God surprises David … Continue reading →

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Advent 4: Year A

Posted on December 12, 2016 by

Name the child “Emmanuel” Isaiah 7:10-17 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus includes a quotation from Isaiah, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called … Continue reading →

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The Second Sunday After Christmas

Posted on December 30, 2015 by

Adopted as Children of God Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm 84 Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a Depending on what lectionary readings you choose today (there are several options: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 in which the Holy Family flees to Egypt; Luke 2:41-52 of the boy … Continue reading →

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The Holy Innocents – December 28th

Posted on December 28, 2015 by

Weeping for our Children Isaiah 63:7–9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10–18 Matthew 2:13–23 The birth of Jesus according to the Gospel of St. Matthew is fraught with peril, flight, exile, and murder.  Most of us never hear of this drama since … Continue reading →

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Advent 4: Year C

Posted on December 15, 2015 by

Pregnancy and Promise Micah 5:2-5a Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) “Advent is the waiting season, hoping to be rediscovered. She is seasoned waiting, wishing wisdom and pregnant with promised life. She is a season conceived each day.” Joseph … Continue reading →

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The Nativity

Posted on December 20, 2012 by

An Aztec story of the Nativity The angels came down from the sky like birds. Their voices were bells. They sounded like flutes. “Praise God in heaven, alleluia.” They came flying out of the sky, singing, “Peace on earth, alleluia.” … Continue reading →

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Themes of Christmas in Worship

Posted on December 9, 2011 by

The following is an excerpt from Richard Giles book, “Times and Seasons: Creating Transformative Worship Throughout the Year” (2008: Church Publishing). Jesus was probably not actually born on December 25th, despite our celebration of his birth on this calendar date. … Continue reading →

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Advent in 2 Minutes

Posted on November 25, 2011 by

Yes, the stores are decked with Christmas lights, bows, and ribbons. You may have even started your shopping at midnight on “Black Friday.” Perhaps you’ve decorated your home and put the Christmas lights up on the trees in your yards. … Continue reading →

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