Sermons

SIMEON, ANNA, AND BABY JESUS Bible Background: Luke 1 & 2 are full of interesting, faithful ‘couples’, who become part of God’s amazing promises. Each of these larger scenes, contains a song/psalm of praise to God. Each of these songs has long been part of the liturgy of

Luke 1 = Zechariah and Baby John! Bible Background: Luke’s gospel carefully sets the stage for Jesus’ birth. John the Baptist’s birth is foretold, and then Elizabeth conceives. Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel, and then she conceives. John is born and his father tells in a

Isaiah 35 = God Comes to Save! Bible Background: Isaiah 35 is a favorite Advent reading as it stirs up anticipation for what God can do. Is. 34 paints a picture of judgement (on Judah’s captors?) and desolation. But chapter 35 is a complete reversal, filled with fresh images and hope.

ISAIAH OF THE EXILE Bible Background: Most Bible scholars agree that the book of Isaiah spans a large swath of Judah’s history (and more than one prophet’s lifetime.) Chapter 40 begins what is referred to as Second Isaiah, and we hear a prophetic message to the people in exile (587