in the Temple. Sermon by Saint Louis Seminarian David Herald.
Christmas Eve
Okay, I will give you a little peek – – –
I did just break down thinking of Alice’s beautiful and simple faith especially at Christmas time. The kids were wonderful. But that Alice isn’t here is felt deeply, very deeply. Oh that dear, lovely presence. Lord, have mercy; Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy.
A Blue Christmas?
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Date: Christmas Eve + 12/24/09
Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word, Rochester Hills, MI
In recent years during Christmas time many churches have attempted to minister especially to those who are facing this otherwise joyous holiday after the death of a loved one or a divorce or some other life tragedy. The invention of “Blue Christmas” services seek to give people who have experienced such losses a sacred time and sacred space to meditate and to hear the Word of God in a more subdued or quiet celebration of Christmas. It is an attempt, for one thing, to play down any “forced” joyfulness so that Christmas might be less of an escape and more a solemn facing of the realities of life with the quiet, hidden joy that is, after all, the joy of faith and the peace that passes all understanding. Though I have considered designing such a service in years past it is, of course, no coincidence that this year I should be the more interested. Continue reading “A Blue Christmas?”
The Visitation
Text: Luke 1:39-45
Date: Advent IV + 12/20/09
Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word, Rochester Hills, MI
Who was or were the first to worship the Christ Child? Not the wise men of the Epiphany which could have been as much as months or even years since His birth. Not even the angels or the shepherds of Christmas Eve, nor even Mary or Joseph. It was Mary’s relative Elizabeth when the Incarnate Word had barely, newly come on the scene, becoming incarnate in the womb of His mother Mary. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed in the fruit of your womb.” “And blessed is she who believed that there will be fulfillment for the things spoken to her by the Lord.” That’s liturgical, worship language, that is, the language of praise at the awareness of the real presence of God working and speaking right in front of your eyes. (I mean without that spiritual awareness the liturgy in itself is no worship). It is the language of praise blessing God who has blessed Mary and, thereby, the whole world in sending His only Son; sent not as a mighty warrior or heavenly apparition, but as a human being, the offspring of the woman—Eve and Sarah and Hannah and Ruth and Mary, mother, fair maiden, full of grace, according to “the things spoken by the Lord.” Continue reading “The Visitation”
This Week…
Of course, this week there is no sermon to post. Incarnate Word gave me the Sunday off. Paul, David and Ashlei, Peter and I took Al and Sue Kubow to Zion, Detroit. It’s a good thing, too, since they had us and Alice prominently in the prayers. It was good to see our Zion family again. Father Braden had a magnificent sermon on John the Baptist and faith in Christ.
Thanks to everyone who were involved and/or expressed your sympathy and kindnesses this past week at the passing of dear Alice. It was so comforting to see so many of our friends and family as well as to receive greetings also from afar. We are sort of tired today. So we will recuperate and rest as best we can before getting back to various duties.
And thank you for your understanding. There will be a sermon next week, God willing.
Al
A Voice in the Wilderness
Text: Luke 3:1-6
Date: Advent II + 12/6/09 (12/7/03)
Christ came for one purpose: as the world’s Savior from sin. John came on the scene for one purpose: to proclaim a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Anyone who would follow Jesus, then, does so because they have been made aware of the slavery of their sin and of Jesus as the only One who can free us from sin. The baptism of John that prepares the way by repentance is completed in the baptism of Jesus that brings the forgiveness of sins. Continue reading “A Voice in the Wilderness”