Matthew 1:18-25- "An Incarnation Celebration"

Synopsis:

The miracle of incarnation is more about mystery than magic. Our rational minds want to wrap around this story, but perhaps the point is not, “How could something like this happen?” But, rather, “Why would God go to such lengths to be near humans?” The answer is love. E. P. Sanders, New Testament scholar from Oxford, points out how many of the miraculous stories about Jesus (birth, miracles, death, resurrection) were all in the mythological traditions of the ancient world. The difference between those myths and Christianity, according to Sanders, is the Jesus Movement is still alive today. How could this be? In spite of humble roots, the Good News of Jesus Christ continues to spread globally, even if we understand it or not. Like Joseph and Mary, we might not understand what it means that God became human, but we are invited to celebrate the mystery of Immanuel’s love and promise to stay with us.

Keywords: Advent, Love Sunday, incarnation, Immanuel, presence, joy, celebration, miracle, mystery, God-with-us

Luke 1:46-55 - "Joy Sunday"

Synopsis:
On Joy Sunday at Broadway, the Gospel is preached in scripture and song as the Chancel Choir shares a musical masterpiece in worship. Born in Venice, Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) served as an ordained priest and Baroque Era violinist, composer, and musical educator for over thirty years at the orphanage for girls in Venice called the Ospedale Della Pieta (Hospital of Mercy). His Gloria was written in 1715 for the orphaned children of the Ospedale and performed in the Venetian opera house. Venice was the Las Vegas of 18th Century Italy and opera houses were raucous venues. With a protective consideration for the young girls in the choir, Vivaldi constructed screens to shield the choir from the intoxicated patrons of the opera. One might imagine the wild crowd turned into a weeping congregation at the angelic sounds of Vivaldi’s choir coming from mysterious silhouettes. The memory of Vivaldi’s choir of orphaned children harmonizes with Luke’s image of Mary–an afraid adolescent with child–who still sings her heart out in the liberating lyrics of the Magnificat. Her song prophesies of a world where God’s goodness, justice, and promise are fulfilled and every human flourishes with God-given worth. Mary makes a truly joyful noise worthy of any audience.

Keywords: Advent, Joy Sunday, Mary, Magnificat, justice, peace, joy, love, hope

Isaiah 11:1-10 - "Humble Roots, Holy Shoots"

Synopsis: Isaiah is traditionally interpreted by the Christian community to be one of the primary prophets who prophetically paved the way for the Messiah. While Isaiah’s words were relevant to the precarious situation of the Hebrew people in his days, his sermons continue to unlock and inspire truth in each new generation, especially for those reflecting on the Advent of Jesus. Isaiah points to a world where an ancestor of King David (11:1,10 - Jesse’s son) shall bring justice and peace to the world, even among the most corrupt systems (11:4) and vicious creatures (11:6). Isaiah imagines a world where the violence of Genesis 3-11 does not plague the world anymore, but this leaders will not emerge from the nursery of a palace. The Messiah, the anointed King, will come from humble beginnings (like King David), but these roots will blossom into shoots and fruits of justice, peace, and wisdom until even lions dine with oxen, not on them (11:7).

Keywords: Advent, Peace Sunday, Isaiah, prophets, peaceable Kingdom, justice, Messiah, shalom, prophesy, hope

“Love Sunday: Carol through the Chaos" - Micah 5:2-5a

Text: Micah 2:2-5a

Synopsis: The sermon preached by the prophet Micah, which we hear in Handel’s Messiah and understand retroactively as a Messianic prophesy about Jesus, is a hopeful word to the Hebrew people in their darkest hour. As the armies of Assyria beat on the doors of Zion, Micah reminds the people of God’s past promises and future plans to bring restoration, peace, and justice to the whole human family through the little town of Bethlehem. Even in the most chaotic of times, the God of Promise invites us to continue to carol and sing songs of love and liberation as we work to build the Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. So, don’t let anyone steal your song as you carol through the chaos of life.

Keywords: Advent, Christmas, love, chaos, stress, peace, prophetic, Messiah, songs, singing, hope, Kingdom of God