Jesus and the Dragon

December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve Luke 2:1-14 Revelation 12 Prelude Christmas Greeting Lighting the Christ Candle First Reader: Tonight/Today, we gather to remember with the prophet Isaiah: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this (Isaiah 9:6-7). All: We gather to once again bask in the glory that visited a stable and a manger, shepherds watching their flocks, and a young couple cradling the newborn Messiah. Second Reader: We light the Christ candle as a sign of the glory that came among us in unexpected places and to unexpected people, that we may be people who seek and follow the glory of the Christ child here and now. Light the center candle of the Advent wreath. Call to Worship With eyes wide open and our ears on edge, we look for shepherds and listen for the songs of angels. In the light of winter’s moon, with the Southern Cross lighting the way, we gather outside the door of a mystery, wondering if we dare go enter. With folks and friends we love, with strangers we have just met, we gather, becoming the holy family for this time and in this place. Invocation Hymn O Come All Ye Faithful UMH 234 Interactive Nativity Story: “A Story We Tell Together” – a version of Luke 2:1-14 • When you hear MARY, say: “Yes, Lord.” • When you hear JOSEPH, say: “I will trust God.” • When you hear ANGEL, say: “Do not be afraid!” • When you hear SHEPHERDS, say: “Let us go and see!” • When you hear BABY JESUS, say: “Glory to God!” • When you hear STAR, point upward and say: “God is guiding us!” ________________________________________ Print out the story just for the liturgist The Story Long ago, God chose a young woman named MARY. (Audience: “Yes, Lord.”*) One day, an ANGEL appeared to MARY with surprising news. (Audience: “Do not be afraid!”) God had chosen MARY to bring love into the world in a very special way. (Audience: “Yes, Lord.”) Now JOSEPH, who loved MARY, was confused and worried. But God spoke to JOSEPH in a dream and told him to trust. (Audience: “I will trust God.”*) So JOSEPH and MARY traveled a long way to Bethlehem. The road was hard, the nights were cold, and still they trusted God. (Audience: “Yes, Lord.”* / “I will trust God.”) That night, there was no room in the inn. So in a humble stable, BABY JESUS was born. (Audience: “Glory to God!”*) God placed a bright STAR in the sky to shine over Bethlehem. (Audience: “God is guiding us!”*) Out in the fields nearby, some SHEPHERDS were watching their sheep. Suddenly, an ANGEL appeared and said— (Audience: “Do not be afraid!”*) The ANGEL told the SHEPHERDS that BABY JESUS had been born. (Audience: “Glory to God!”) The SHEPHERDS looked at one another and said, (Audience: “Let us go and see!”) They followed the STAR to the place where MARY and JOSEPH were, and there they found BABY JESUS, lying in a manger. (Audience: “Glory to God!”*) The SHEPHERDS went home rejoicing, MARY treasured these things in her heart, JOSEPH gave thanks, and the STAR kept shining. (Audience responses as words appear) ________________________________________ Closing Leader says: “This is the good news of Christmas: God comes to us in love, God walks with us in trust, and God invites all of us to be part of the story.” All together: “Glory to God!” Hymn Joy to the World UMH 246 A Christmas Message Rev. Harriette Cross First United Methodist Church of Wilmington Christmas Eve December 24, 2025 Luke 2 Revelation 12 Jesus and the Dragon This year, many in the church brought our nativity scenes to church to display. The nativity has been a way for countless generations to learn and remember the Christmas story. We all just recounted the Christmas story in the book of Luke. The nativity is intended to be an ongoing story – not every nativity character is mentioned. We don’t talk about the wise men until much later. But tonight we talked about Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the shepherds, and the angel. But somehow we forgot all about the dragon – yep I said the dragon. Every year we look at the same old scriptures and tell the same old story. You probably never knew that there is another biblical version of the birth of Jesus in the book of Revelation. I will share some of the story, A woman, her child, and the dragon 12 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven’s stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days. Then there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but they did not prevail, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 So the great dragon was thrown down. The old snake, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, was thrown down to the earth; and his angels were thrown down with him Can you imagine adding a 7 headed dragon and the archangel Michael with a sword to every nativity scene - it would be a lot more fun than just playing with the camels and arranging the wise men – you get to have a sword fight to defeat the slay the evil dragon. It would certainly make our perfect silent night them much more chaotic. But Scripture gives us two Christmas stories. One is gentle and quiet, told in Luke 2. The other is cosmic and dangerous, told in Revelation 12. Luke tells us what happened on earth. Revelation tells us what was happening behind the scenes. Tonight, we hear them together—the birth of Jesus and the appearance of the dragon. But both are intended to give us a glimpse of life. Sometimes even getting ready of Christmas can be like fighting a dragon. Revelation is the story of a cosmic battle that started in heaven but is going on all around us. Mary, the Queen of the universe gives birth to a son. The dragon waits, planning to take away the baby – because of his importance to the world. The guardian angels vow to fight to the death to defend the future of the world. They fight so furiously, that both the angels and the dragon fall to earth. The baby is born protected, but the dragon vows to haunt the family to the ends of the earth. And the never ending battle between good and evil beings. I think we all have faced some seven headed dragons in our life. Challenges that are daunting, overwhelming and impossible to overcome. There may be challenges in health, in finances, in family ties, - we may face challenges at our job, at school, even at home. Sometimes the dragon comes to us in social or political situations. Sometimes the dragon is inside of our heart and soul. Each of is fighting one or more battles that we never want to talk about. Perhaps it is comforting to know that on a cosmic level – we are not alone. There are dragons right here in our lives, but so are God’s angels determined to make sure that the goodness of God prevails through it all. The book of revelation tells us a story a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. With a tail that can take out a third of the world with one swoop. With all of the intimidation that he can muster, he is determined to challenge us with all that he’s got. The good news of the story is that he loses – he has no power over us. Jesus Christ is our hero, our advocate, our champion, our savior. A baby child is born into a world of suffering- he lives, he grows, he teaches, he rises up, he dies, he lives again. He dies our death, so that we can live in his eternal light. That child, Jesus Christ, saves us all from the dragon. The dragon in all of his terror, can’t stop a love that is willing to live int eh trenches with and open the doors of eternity so that we can see. I guess the dragon is not in the nativity scene, because we don’t have to fight him, the angels have done it for us. The child has given us the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love. His innocence defeated evil, his peace defeated chaos, his love defeated the power of hatred and revenge. So I guess the nativity is before us just as it should be. Perhaps this night is just as it should be – The faithful, gathered to see the newborn King, to bask in the light, to tell a story, to sing a song, and to spread a transformational love. We gather to celebrate the birth of a child, who defeated all of lifes dragons before he has born. To God be the glory. Conclusion: Lighting the Candles Tonight, we will light candles. Not because the darkness is gone. But because the light cannot be stopped. The dragon is real. But the child is stronger. The manger tells us: God chose vulnerability over violence. Love over force. Light over fear. And that is why, even now, we sing: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” Because the dragon did not win. The child did. Merry Christmas. Christmas Eve Prayer Now in the silence, whisper of joy which comes into every life. Now in the comfort of carols, sing of hope which takes away the despair which envelops us. Now in familiar words heard anew, speak to us of grace which is born into barren lives, of peace which is birthed in war’s shadowed fears. Now leaning next to those who have always been a part of us, and those from whom we have been apart, remind us of your heart which always accepts us, always welcomes us. Now in the love which is ours forever, draw us closer to your heart, so we can be surprised by wonder, swaddled in serenity, embraced by tenderness. Now touch us once again with Christmas, God in Community, Holy in One, as we join in praying as we are taught, (The Lord’s Prayer) Giving Offertory Doxology Prayer Communion Page 13 THE GREAT THANKSGIVING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE, DAY, OR SEASON This text is used by the pastor while the congregation uses A Service of Word and Table II (UMH 13–15) or III (UMH 15–16) or one of the musical settings (UMH 17–25). The pastor stands behind the Lord's table. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. The pastor may lift hands and keep them raised. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty (almighty God), creator of heaven and earth. You created light out of darkness and brought forth life on the earth. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life. When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God, and spoke to us through your prophets. In the fullness of time you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior, and at his birth the angels sang glory to you in the highest and peace to your people on earth. And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: The pastor may lower hands. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. The pastor may raise hands. Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. As Mary and Joseph went from Galilee to Bethlehem and there found no room, so Jesus went from Galilee to Jerusalem and was despised and rejected. As in the poverty of a stable Jesus was born, so by the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit. The pastor may hold hands, palms down, over the bread, or touch the bread, or lift the bread. As your Word became flesh, born of woman, on that night long ago, so, on the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: "Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." The pastor may hold hands, palms down, over the cup, or touch the cup, or lift the cup. When the supper was over he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: "Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." The pastor may raise hands. And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. The pastor may hold hands, palms down, over the bread and cup. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. The pastor may raise hands. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father (God ), now and for ever. Amen. Copyright: “The Great Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve, Day or Season,” Copyright © 1972 The Methodist Publishing House; Copyright © 1980, 1981, 1985 UMPH; Copyright © 1986 by Abingdon Press; Copyright © 1987, 1989, 1992 UMPH. Used by permission.” Passing the Light Silent Night UMH 239 Benediction “The Work of Christmas” by Howard Thurman When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among others, To make music in the heart. ________________________________________

Hope Enough for all of us

Rev. Harriette Cross First United Methodist Church of Wilmington December 7, 2025 Romans 15:4-23 2nd Sunday of Advent Hope Enough for all of Us Year A Prelude Greeting Lighting of the Advent Candle Call to Worship One: We’re waiting for One who is coming. Many: Why wait for someone when we don’t know how long to wait? One: We wait in anticipation, for the Coming One is filled with God’s Spirit. Many: A spirit of wisdom and understanding in a confusing world. One: A spirit of counsel and knowledge; Many: we stand on tip-toe, eager to welcome the One who is coming, ALL: for the whole earth will be brimming, knowing God as ALIVE with us. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer God, your servant John the Baptist cries out to us: “Repent; turn and be restored”. Can we hear? Will we respond? Holy God, open the ears of our souls to hear your word of salvation. Holy and Peace-Inspiring God, on this second Sunday of Advent, Open wide our hearts and our minds To see, feel, hear, and know the salvation of our God. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Amen. Song Come Thou Long Expected Jesus UMH 196 A Sermon for all Ages Children’s Sermon: “Overflowing With Hope” Supplies (optional but helpful): • A clear cup • A pitcher or bottle of water • One small LED candle or picture of a candle 1. Opening Question (Engage) Good morning, friends! Can you tell me—what season are we in at church right now? (Let them answer: Advent!) That’s right! Advent is the time when we get ready for Christmas—for the birth of Jesus! And during Advent, we talk about something very important called hope. Does anyone know what hope means? (Let a few children answer. Affirm all attempts.) Hope means trusting that something good is coming—even when we’re still waiting. 2. Candle of Hope (Hold up the candle or point to the Advent wreath.) This first Advent candle is called the Candle of Hope. It reminds us that God keeps promises, even when it takes a long time. The Bible tells us: “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.” That means God doesn’t just give us a little hope—God wants to fill us up with hope! 3. Object Lesson – The Overflowing Cup (Hold up the empty cup.) This cup is like our hearts sometimes. Sometimes our hearts feel: • Sad • Worried • Tired • Or even scared Now watch what happens when God gives us hope. (Slowly pour water into the cup until it overflows.) When God fills us with hope, love, joy, and peace—it doesn’t stop at the top! It overflows! And when hope overflows out of us, it helps: • Our friends • Our families • Our school • And even people we don’t know very well 4. Good News of Advent The best reason we have hope at Advent is this: Jesus is coming. God is keeping a big promise. A Savior is being born. The light is coming into the world! Responsive Reading Psalm 72 UMH 795 Prayer for Illumination “O come, thou Wisdom from on high, Who orderest all things mightily: To us the path of knowledge show; … Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” (Presbyterian Outlook, Ginna Bairby) Scripture Romans 15:4-13 Sermon Hope Enough for all of Us Our Advent study this year is called for the common good. It is a study about spiritual gifts. Everyone is welcome to join our study. This week, we are all taking our test to see what our spiritual gifts are. Spiritual gifts are listed in Paul’s writings in Romans, Corinthians and Ephesians. We also had a chance to take a spiritual gifts test in the visioning session. When I took it, I scored the highest in healing, apostleship and teaching. Apostleship is the willingness to spread the gospel in different areas. But I was surprised because I also scored high in speaking in tongues and in interpreting tongues. Speaking in tongues is popular in some churches, not the united methodist church. The united methodist spiritual gifts study always emphasizes that if God sends a message in tongues that no one understands, that if it is from God that God will also send someone who clearly understands what is being said for the rest of the congregation. Some gifts go hand in hand. But when methodist use the term speaking in tongues, it is not talking about spiritual languages, but earthly languages. The ability to understand a diverse group of people, and to be able to speak in their listening. Another person who would have scored high in this gift, is Paul. Paul was clear that he was a Jew, but he was also clear that he was called to tell lands about the gift of Jesus. Paul’s mission was to go throughout different lands and to tell them about a savior who gave then love, peace, and acceptance. After many challenges, Paul was successful. Many people wanted to know more about this Jesus. They wanted to be a part of the Lord’s table. But he found that as more and more people came, there was no place at God’s table for them. Many Jewish communities were exclusive and not open to new people. So in Romans 15, Paul explains that Christ brings a hope, and a love and a peace which overcomes our boundaries. And unites our differences. It has the power to even bring together enemies in love. A Vietnam veteran recalls an experience he had on Christmas Eve in 1972. His squad was ambushed by the enemy, everyone was killed except him. Following a struggle and with great force he was captured. “I was thinking how much I did not want to spend Christmas, let alone the remaining six months of my tour of duty, in a POW camp,” he explains. They kept traveling through the night. When they finally stopped the Vietnamese lieutenant gave him food to eat. “Merry Christmas” he said in perfect English. His captor told him it would be an honor to celebrate Christmas with him. His name was Nugent. He explained that he had been educated in Canada and that his family had been killed. “Silent Night” was Nugent’s favorite Christmas Carol. The two men began singing it together. Early the next morning shots rang out. “Bullets were flying all around,” the American soldier recalls. Nugent was shot in the chest. He held him in his arms. “Thanking me for the Christmas songfest.” He started singing “Silent Night” knowing that it was Nugent’s favorite carol. “Nugent put his bloody hand to my lips, ‘the voice of angel, I go in peace.’ Thank you were his last words. At that moment I did not see an enemy, but a friend and a brother. Here was a man who started as an enemy, showed compassion, became a friend, died as a brother.”[2] God loves and cares for all people and we should do the same. The message of Advent is to continue to break down the barriers that divide people today. As modern-day disciples of Jesus we strive for harmony and unity. Instead of seeing only the obvious differences, Paul urged the believers to celebrate their unity in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans in a time when their world feels divided, uncertain, and anxious—sound familiar? And into that tension, he offers not criticism, not panic, but a promise: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas. It is about learning how to live as people who overflow with hope in a world starving for it. 1. Hope Is Learned Through the Story of God Paul begins by saying: “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures, we might have hope.” In other words, we learn hope by remembering what God has already done. Illustration – The Scrapbook of Faith Some families keep scrapbooks—birthdays, weddings, vacations, hard times, and good times. When someone feels discouraged, they flip through and remember: We survived that. We found joy here. We were loved then, and we are loved now. Scripture is the scrapbook of God’s faithfulness: • A slave people delivered from Egypt • A shepherd boy defeating a giant • A nation restored from exile • A Savior born in a barn Advent reminds us that hope is not wishful thinking—it is memory turned toward the future. If God has been faithful before, God will be faithful again. 3. Hope Is Meant to Be Shared in Unity Paul says: “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another… so that together you may with one voice glorify God.” Advent hope is not private. It is communal. Not “my hope,” but our hope. Paul speaks into a divided church of Jews and Gentiles and says, in essence: If Christ welcomed you, you must welcome one another. Illustration – The Choir Lesson A choir warming up sounds chaotic. Sopranos here, basses there, everyone finding their own note. But once the conductor lifts the hands and the song begins, something beautiful happens: Different voices form one sound. The church is God’s choir. • Different stories • Different struggles • Different personalities But one Savior. One hope. One mission. Advent invites us to sing together again. 4. Hope Reaches Beyond Our Boundaries Romans 15 reminds us again and again that God’s promise was always meant for the whole world: “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.” Jesus did not come only for people who already knew how to be religious. He came for: • the outsider • the doubter • the overlooked • the weary • the sinner • the seeker Illustration – The Extra Chair Picture a family setting the table for a holiday meal. Plates are set, chairs are arranged—then someone notices one more place is added. “Who’s that for?” “Oh, just in case someone needs a seat.” That is the heart of Advent. God always sets out one more chair. 5. Hope Overflows When We Trust God’s Spirit Paul ends with this powerful blessing: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Notice the movement: 1. We believe 2. God fills 3. The Spirit makes it overflow Illustration – The Overflowing Cup You can fill a glass to the brim, but only when it overflows does it refresh the table around it. Advent hope is not just enough for you—it is meant to spill over into your workplace, your family, your friendships, your community. The world doesn’t need more opinions. It needs more people who overflow with steady, Spirit-born hope. We as Chrstians are called to Multiply The Welcome that we received from Christ. Paul tells us to welcome others the way Christ welcomes us In the Christmas story,There were shepherds seated on the hillside keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord came to them and the Glory of the Lord shone around them and they were filled with fear. The angel said, "Be not afraid for today I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." And there was with the angel a multiplication of voices singing Glory to God in the highest and peace among men with whom he is pleased. And the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to the place and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us." And they saw there our welcoming Christ: a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And they saw all these things as it had been told them. Then the shepherds returned to their flocks praising God for the things they had heard and seen. When Christ comes, we offer to him our humble welcome, and we can welcome him because he first welcomes us. It is he who provides welcoming grace. It is he, by his lack of reserve in welcoming us who are undeserving, who sets celestial voices singing ... And it is he who welcomes us and those we would be slow to welcome. It is our welcoming Christ who comes, welcoming a child, a leper, a thief, a shepherd, a king, and welcoming you, welcoming me. For Paul, the ultimate wonder of Christ, the deepest marvel of the coming of Jesus, was not the virgin birth, or angels in the skies, but the gracious, inclusion even of Gentiles into the promises of God to Israel. The glory of God, he says in today's scripture, is that God has welcomed you! The father has welcomed home the younger prodigal. The door has been opened at midnight to the beseeching outsider. Those who have entered the vineyard at the close of the day are given How do you make strangers feel welcome, by giving them a place to feel God’s hope. This sermon is a little late – we lit the hope candle last week. This week our focus in on peace. We never know what the right order of the candles. Paul’s last words in this lesson say 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hope, peace, love, joy they are all related. All the gifts that we are called to bring to a world lacking. Our actions of peace and love give the world hope Closing Prayer God of hope, fill us with joy and peace as we wait for your coming. Teach us patience. Unite us in love. Open our hearts to all your children. And by the power of your Spirit, make us people who overflow with hope— today, tomorrow, and until Christ comes again. Amen. Song Hail to the Lord’s Anointed UMH 203 Prayer Christ who is coming into the world, we give you thanks and praise for the goodness in our lives: For the beauty of your creation that sustains us — may we honor it. For the church that nourishes us and teaches discipleship — may we stay true to the gospel. For the leaders of the nations — may they govern with wisdom and compassion. For our own communities — may they be places of flourishing and delight, foretastes of the Peaceable Kingdom. Christ-beside-us, we pray for the places in your world where your children are suffering: For the sick in body, mind or spirit — may they know your healing hand. For those suffering under war, violence or unjust systems — may they know the comfort of your peace. For people experiencing hunger, poverty or homelessness — may they be nourished by human kindness. For those whose consciences are troubled — may they experience the transformation of repentance and taste the sweetness of grace. Christ, Love Incarnate, come to us again this Advent season, even as the pray the prayer you taught us, saying: “Our Father…”. (Presbyterian Outlook, Ginna Bairby) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Yes! Today is a day to prepare for the Coming One! Chapter 3 of Matthew’s Gospel leaps to the adult John the Baptist. When we hear this text, we may think, “What a strange duck!” (After all, he’s dressed in animal skin and forages for bugs to eat!) But John demands listeners repent (turn back!) because God’s Realm is coming near. John clearly declares we have work to do before Jesus comes, practicing ways to bear fruitworthy of repentance. This is one time for us to show with our actions what our hearts and minds have claimed. If we seek to be followers of Jesus, we help feed the hungry, care for the widow, visit the imprisoned… Our offering today provides each of us with one way to let our wallets help proclaim Good News. Have you spent money this week to prepare for gift-giving for your family and friends? Can you…will you spend an equal amount to (name one or two ways your congregation responds to hunger, imprisonment, or the needs of the poor)? How does that help YOU prepare to welcome Jesus once more? (Disciples of Christ, Center for Faith and Giving) Prayer of Thanksgiving Holy God, we so often get sidetracked from our intention to be faith-filled followers of Jesus. This time of the year makes that even more likely to happen. Please accept the gifts we’ve offered. Help us repent from our selfish ways and turn back to you. Push us to use these funds in ways that truly honor you. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Beyond these walls, the world needs peace. Go out taking with you the exquisite peace of Christ. Carry it boldly and spread it to all those you meet, knowing that God is within you, strengthening the light of the world. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Maria Mankin) Communion This is the time for Decembered mercies – a baby born (instead of the boots of the tramping warrior); a new light of peace (when all was thought to be forsaken); fresh furrows (for any who had quit their cultivation). This is the season for Decembered mercies – forgiveness for what was seen as unredeemed; the taste of fresh bread and new wine; a sprig of hope on a stump left for dead. (“December Mercies,” written by Dr. Robert Lee Hill to be published in All the Time in the World,forthcoming in February 2026. Published by Caroline Street Press.) All are welcome to share in this communion feast. May it be for ALL of us a Decembered mercy helping us become sprigs of hope on a stump left for dead. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction As God has welcomed us in these moments, let us go to embrace each person we meet. As Jesus has been our servant of hope and grace, let us go to serve the most vulnerable around us. As the Spirit of hope has filled us, let us go to empty ourselves of joy and peace for all. © Thom M. Shuman

Remembering John

December 14, 2025 Third Sunday of Advent Matthew 11:2-11 Year A Remembering John Prelude Greetings Lighting the Advent Candle First Reader: In the midst of our waiting and longing for God to make the world right again, we cling to the truth that God has saved, God is saving, and God will save. So today, we join our voices with the prophet Isaiah, who calls us to live in the joy of the truth of God’s salvation. All: We choose to believe that the day is coming when “the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10). Second Reader: We light this candle of joy as a sign of the Truth that sets us free to live in joy as we wait and work for the day when all creation will flourish together. Light the third candle (pink) of the Advent wreath. (United Methodist Board of Discipleship) Call to Worship One: Rejoice! We’re halfway through this season of preparation! Many: Why is that important? One: We’re anticipating the coming of Jesus, celebrating because our lives can model the joy of connection to God’s Beloved, our Redeemer! Many: Isaiah proclaims, “Be strong! Fear not! God will come to save you!” One: As God’s people, we gather, sing, and drink in the gladness. Many: Today, we look for the signs. See how the land, the animals, and all God’s people celebrate God and the Holy Way which is coming! ALL: Let’s sing aloud! (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer Beloved, we come now seeking to recognize moments of delight when we feel connected to you. We bring our fragmented hearts filled with good cheer, gentle reverence, and utter amazement; we share our secret hopes, dependable comforts, and cozy moments of advent peace. Rise up within us as we cherish the divinity of all that is good. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Maria Mankin) Song Angels From the Realm of Glory UMH 220 A Sermon for all Ages So speaking of God moments when God comes to us in unexpected ways- I found this cool children’s time while doing my sermon research this week. I liked it, but it called for a bag of chocolate coins in foil. I decided that there was no way I would be able to find them by Sunday. But I went to the chamber of commerce Christmas party and what was on the table – lots of gold coins, the nobody wanted to take home. So I took that as my sign. There was a young man name Nicholas, who lived in the land of Myra. He loved Jesus with all of his heart, and he tried to do as much good as he could in life. Unfortunately at that time it was not safe to be a Christian. The emperor outlawed kind acts and put Nicholas in jail. Luckily there was another emperor, Constantine who loved Jesus as much as Nicholas. Not only did Constantine free Nicholas – he made him bishop of Myra. Now that Nicholas was free, he could continue doing good. There were three sisters who wanted to get married, but couldn’t pay the fees. Nicholas provided. When people were starving he have food. When people were poor, he gave money for basic needs. Nicholas sound familiar – Saint Nicholas – we know as Saint Nick. Nicholas is an example that we can follow this time of year. Give money, but doing acts of kindness – volunteering, helping each other, sending notes of love, eye out for ways to help others. Nicholas is our example then so it Jesus. Personal Testimony Scripture Matthew 11:2-11 Sermon Remembering John Think about how many of us have ordered something online and waited eagerly for it to arrive. You track the package. You imagine what it will look like. You expect it to come in a certain box, a certain size. Then it arrives—and at first glance, it looks wrong. The box is smaller than expected. Or dented. Or wrapped differently. For a moment, you wonder: Is this even what I ordered? It is not what you expected, and inevitably, your high expectations turn into disappointment. Well in some ways the bible is just like amazon, or in the olden days like a catalog company. The bible tells us of all of these wonderful stories of how God worked miracles, how people were rescued from danger, the bible even tells of all of these promises of people living in peace, a world where everyone has a chance to live in happiness and experience love. And then you listen to the news and hear of one more mass shooting where someone has been shot, or of elderly people being beaten and robbed in their own houses – and you are disappointing, God is not living up to what God promised. If only one person could come along and fix it – that person would be a savior, a messiah, or maybe even superman. You know, if you read the Hebrew bible, - this messiah is alluded to, but there is no set description of the messiah – because there was no set belief in someone coming to save the world. There were just a bunch of rumors and expectations of what this person would be when they came into the world. – by Jesus day, all of these expectations has grown. People were expecting the messiah to solve all of their problems. Matthew 11:2-11 is all about the expectations of a messiah in a world in desparate need of saving. In the interest of time I want to focus on just two lessons from this story. First, this story gives honor to the ministry of John the Baptist. We hear his story every advent. He was Jesus cousin, born six months before him. When Jesus disappeared from the scene for 30 years, John stayed with his people – gathering them at the water, helping them to take responsibility for their sin and turn their lives to God. Eventually John is imprisoned and killed for telling the truth to power. Only after John is killed does Jesus take over his ministry. In this story – Jesus visits John in prison. And John asks the question on all of our minds – are you the one or should we be looking for someone else. Why are you convinced the Jesus is the one? Imagine a friend coming up to you and asking – how can you be sure that Jesus is the one? What have you seen and felt in your own life that makes you so sure? Advent is our time to really sit down and come up with an answer to that question. Is Jesus the messiah or our we still waiting for someone else? Advent is also a time of expectations. How does one person line up with are expectations? All of us are different and all of us have different needs. And all of us have different expectations of what the messiah should be doing. If Jesus spent his time living up to all of our expectations, then when would he have time to be in ministry? I am just asking a question. Jesus answer to John is an answer to us all – I don’t have to live into expectations, because I am the messiah. My actions and my life speak for itself. – he says the blind see, the deaf hear, the poor are fed, - what more are you expecting. He even says a new beatitude – blessed are those who are not thrown off from their faith because of me. A Place of Dreams There was once a woman who was disappointed, who was disillusioned, who was depressed. She wanted a good world, a peaceful world, and she wanted to be a good person. But the newspaper and television showed her how far we were from such a reality. So she decided to go shopping. She went to the mall and wandered into a new store - where the person behind the counter looked strangely like Jesus. Gathering up her courage she went up to the counter and asked, "Are you Jesus?" "Well, yes, I am," the man answered. "Do you work here?" "Actually," Jesus responded, "I own the store. You are free to wander up and down the aisles, see what it is I sell, and then make a list of what you want. When you are finished, come back here, and we'll see what we can do for you." So, the woman did just that. And what she saw thrilled her. There was peace on earth, no more war, no hunger or poverty, peace in families, no more drugs, harmony, clean air. She wrote furiously and finally approached the counter, handing a long list to Jesus. He skimmed the paper, and then smiling at her said, "No problem." Reaching under the counter, he grabbed some packets and laid them out on the counter. Confused, she asked, "What are these?" Jesus replied: "These are seed packets. You see, this is a catalogue store." Surprised the woman blurted out, "You mean I don't get the finished product?" "No," Jesus gently responded. "This is a place of dreams. You come and see what it looks like, and I give you the seeds. Then you plant the seeds. You go home and nurture them and help them to grow and someone else reaps the benefits." "Oh," she said, deeply disappointed in Jesus. Then she turned around and left the store without buying anything. Adapted by Susan R. Andrews, as told in Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life, F. and M. Brussat, editors (New York: Scribner, 1996), p. 359. __________________________________ Advent is our time to plant seeds of hope, knowing that God will water them and make them grow. What seeds are you planting? Our expectations point us to the places where God spirit can enter into the world in love. Look. Listen. Where mercy is practiced. Where the broken are restored. Where the poor hear good news. Where love shows up in unexpected places. The kingdom of God is already among us—and still coming. Good News for the Waiting Church Jesus honors John because John stayed faithful to his calling—even in the dark. And Jesus honors us when we keep pointing toward hope, even when answers feel incomplete. Advent reminds us that God often arrives not with fireworks, but with healing hands. Not with force, but with compassion. Not with certainty, but with presence. So rejoice—not because everything is finished, but because God is faithful in the waiting. The One who is coming is the One who has come and the One who is still at work among us. Let us pray…… Song Lo How Ere A Rose is Blooming UMH 216 Prayer God who approaches: you gather the ignored, so you can accomplish the unexpected for a world which no longer cares; with bread broken into pieces, you restore your shattered creation; as you let go of your Child, our emptiness is filled with immeasurable grace. Ever-new, always-scarred Jesus of the forgotten: through you, those whose voices are silenced hear the whispers of angels on hillsides and in shelters; by you, those who are knocked over lead the way into your kingdom; with you, those who wander in shadows are clasped tight in your love. Breath of Advent: you pour the promises of the Word into the shy and silent so they can carol of grace; you stretch out your hand to all in despair’s exile, to place them on the holy way of hope; you gather up the scraps of our scattered fears, to build a new crib for a refugee family. Come, God in Community, Holy in One, come to us, as we pray together saying…. (Lectionary Liturgies, Thom Shuman) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment The prophet Isaiah uses word pictures to draw us in and fill us with eager anticipation for what is not yet. Isaiah 35 poetically sings, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.” (If you can, show this image.) That’s the expectation of what happens when “the ransomed of the Lord shall return…everlasting joy shall be upon their heads…and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10). Sharing our gifts, our tithes and our offerings provides opportunity for us to step into this picture, and join the celebration. Come! Bring your best gifts! Let the joy of the Lord explode in this place! Prayer of Thanksgiving Creator God, Receive these tokens of our praise, given with joyful hearts. Open us to rejoice in the giving and the sharing of this offering. Help us serve you and your beloved world with these gifts and with all we are and all we have. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer God, lead us from this time of prayer and reflection with dancing! Allow the joy within each one of us to shine upon those who suffer. Let our light be magnified by your grace each and every day! Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Maria Mankin) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction Advent people, go now in the blessing of God’s joy, confident that the day we await is close at hand and ready to cooperate with God in building the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, June 2025. Timing Is Everything I was reading about steamships. It was a wonderful article in which the author said that the dream of a self-propelled ship had been a dream of humankind for hundreds of years. Then one day the time came when it was theoretically possible, but it was still not practically possible. The dream was kept alive for another hundred years or so by inventors and experimenters, some of whom were considered to be eccentric. Later on people looked back and said of them, they were just ahead of their time. Then the times changed. The next person to come along wasRobert Fulton. It was not so much that Fulton invented the steamboat, but that he just happened to be there when the time was right. As the author wrote, "The inventor's eminence may be more a trick of chronology than anything else, due to being active at the very moment when fruition was possible." It's a wonderful statement. It tells you that timing is everything. That's what we learn from the Bible. Look at our lesson for this morning. The disciples of John the Baptist come to Jesus, and ask, "Are you the one, or do we look for another?" It is a critical question for John. John has preached that the time has come. The Messiah, he said, is about to appear, so repent, get ready, put your lives in order. He has devoted his whole life to the belief that the time has come. But he is in prison now. He is about to lose his head. So he sends his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one that we have been waiting for, or do we still look for somebody else?" Mark Trotter, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com ___________________________________ Who Jesus Really Is I don't know where life may be defeating you this Advent. I don't know how Jesus may be disappointing you this Advent. But I would suggest to you this Advent that any disillusionment you feel may not necessarily be a bad thing. For what is disillusionment if not, literally, the loss of an illusion? And, in the long run, it is never a bad thing to lose the lies we have mistaken for the truth. Did Jesus fail to come when you rubbed the lantern? Then perhaps Jesus is not a genie. Did Jesus fail to punish your enemies? Then perhaps Jesus is not a cop. Did Jesus fail to make everything run smoothly? Then perhaps Jesus is not a mechanic. Over and over again, our disappointments draw us deeper and deeper into who Jesus really is ... and what Jesus really does. William A. Ritter, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com __________________________________________ Only Jesus An anonymous author made this striking comparison: "Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ's 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men, who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. Jesus painted no pictures yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from him. Jesus wrote no poetry but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets were inspired by him. Jesus composed no music still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies, and oratorios they composed in his praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth. His unique contribution to humanity is the salvation of the soul! Philosophy could not accomplish that. Nor art. Nor literature. Nor music. Only Jesus Christ can break the enslaving chains of sin. He alone can speak peace to the human heart, strengthen the weak, and give life to those who are spiritually dead." David E. Leininger, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com _____________________________________ Matthew 11:2-11 – Time to Unpack Advent is an intentional season of “preparedness.” We think of Advent as a “journey,” to use Oprah Winfrey’s favorite word. We think of Advent as a progressive path we take in order to arrive at a destination — the sleepy village of Bethlehem. Preparing. Making plans. Charting a way. Scouting and scoping the landscape. Assessing and overcoming obstacles to avoid or override. Sounds like life as usual. Sounds like something we can get our heads and hands and hearts around. Sounds like something we can get down and get done. But wait a minute! Advent is not our journey. We are NOT in charge. Advent is not a journey we make, a journey we prepare for, a road that we navigate. No, Advent is the journey GOD makes. Advent isn’t a trip we prepare to go on. Advent is the time we prepare for God’s trip to us. Advent is the time we ready ourselves to RECEIVE God. The God who, against all reason and for our redemption, is making a journey TOWARDS us. This week’s gospel text reminds us just how long God had been preparing for this journey. Before the baby Jesus was even born, God had arranged for the ideal advance man, the perfect prophet to be conceived and born and nurtured to adulthood. Generations before John the Baptist there were other prophets whom God provided with selected slices of insight, like a freeze-framed GPS map. Moses and Isaiah, Malachi and Daniel: all provided peeks at the pathway God was paving… Pay Better Attention Annie Dillard tells of the pastor whose pulpit prayer included some wonderful petitions for the betterment of life in this world. Then, before signing off, he included these words: "But thou knowest, O God, that we ask for these same things Sunday after Sunday. So we confess to you our discouragement that so little progress is made." Said Annie: "His prayer was so painfully honest that I knew I had finally found a preacher who knows God." Frankly, I do not know why....if God is truly in charge....that things do not go better or happen faster. But when John raised a similar question to Jesus ("If you're the one, tell us what we're missing"), Jesus said: "Look again. Look closer. Pay better attention. Things are happening." Which, apparently, was good enough for John. And, most days, is good enough for me. William A. Ritter, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com ________________________________ When Jesus tells John's people what to look for, it's not big, grandiose stuff. As concerns signs of the kingdom, Jesus points to people who couldn't see much, seeing more...people who couldn't climb out of bed in the morning, playing Ring Around the Rosie in the town square...Previously untouchable lepers kissing their wives and hugging their children....and the poor, hearing a good sermon for a change. And I suppose if you're blind, lame, poor or your skin used to be all scales and scabs, that's big time stuff. But can you build a kingdom on it? Apparently, Jesus thinks you can. He doesn't care whether it's "big time stuff" or not. As concerns the kingdom, it breaks through in little ways. But it breaks through. As if to illustrate his point, he talks about a seed that nobody can see growing. But it's in there. I mean, it's already in there. You aren't going to see it come to maturity all at once. In the version we sang last Sunday: "First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn shall appear." No, you may not see it. But neither are you going to be able to stop it. It's like that dandelion that finds a crack in the asphalt. Or creates a crack in the asphalt. Not only does it have presence, but there is an inevitability to its appearance. William A. Ritter, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com

A Good Start

First Sunday of Advent Year A November 30, 2025 Matthew 24:36-44 A Good Start Prelude Greeting Good Morning to everyone hear, it is good to see you, and I thank God that you were able to make it here safely, also good morning to those who are joining us online. We have changed our platform to youtube. I usually post the service on Facebook later. I am also glad to see you all here, and Glad that through technology – we are able to be united in the spirit of God during this worship service. If you look around, you can tell that it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Well actually it looks like advent – the time of preparation for Christ. Advent is not the count down to Christmas, it is a season within itself. A season for us to be intentional about our relationship to the spirit of love in the world. As you know each of the 4 Sundays of Advent has a theme. The theme for the first Sunday of advent is hope. Hope is not having a positive attitude, it is not finding a positive solution to our own problems. Biblical hope is waiting on God and trusting God to provide. The word wait appears in the OT over a hundred times. In all circumstances, we are encouraged to wait on God. Once again waiting is not standing still – it is anticipation the presence of God in our lives. God is our light when we can’t see in the darkness, that is why we light so many candles in church. Advent Lighting First Reader: The prophet Isaiah calls to us from the past to imagine the future when God’s reign will be fully realized and recognized throughout creation. When that time comes, God “shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). All: Today, we choose to live in hope, believing that the time of God’s reign has come and is coming among us. Second Reader: We light this candle of hope as a sign of our promise to follow the Light as we answer God’s call to transform our hope into reality today and in the days to come. Light the first candle of the Advent wreath. (United Methodist Board of Discipleship) Call to Worship Beloved, once again, we embark on the Advent path that points us to the coming of Jesus. We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits. We remember the signs and the times that heralded the arrival of the baby Jesus, God Incarnate. We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits. We tell the stories once again as we learn how to discern the signs and the times, watching for glimpses of God’s here-and-not-yet kingdom among us. We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits. Come, let us worship God who shines a light to guide us on the path to peace and flourishing for all creation. Come, let us worship as we journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits. Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2025 Song O Come O Come Emmanuel UMH 211 A Sermon for all Ages Children’s Sermon: “The Gifts God Gives Us” Theme: Spiritual Gifts Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (optional) Gather the children Good morning, friends! I’m so happy to see you today. I brought something with me… (hold up a wrapped gift box) Object Lesson: The Gift Box Ask: “Does anyone like getting gifts?” “What kind of gifts do you usually get? Toys? Books? Games?” Those are all great gifts! But today I want to talk about a different kind of gift—one that doesn’t come from a store. God Gives Us Gifts Too The Bible tells us that God gives each of us special gifts—spiritual gifts. These aren’t wrapped in paper, and they don’t need batteries. But they are just as exciting because they help us love God and help other people. Examples of Spiritual Gifts for Kids Ask a few questions and let them raise hands: • “Some of you are really good at helping—that’s a gift!” • “Some of you love to sing or create art—that’s a gift!” • “Some of you are great listeners—that’s a gift!” • “Some of you love to pray for others—that’s a gift!” • “Some of you are wonderful at being kind—that’s a gift!” Each child has something special God put inside them. The Gift is Not for Keeping Now, here’s something different about God’s gifts: They are not for keeping all to ourselves. God wants us to use them to help the church and the world. Just like a flashlight is made to shine, and a pencil is made to write, your gift is made to share. Body of Christ Illustration Hold up the gift box again. “This box is like the church. Inside, God puts different gifts for different people. If everyone had the same gift, it wouldn’t be as special. But when we all share our gifts together—helping, praying, singing, leading—we become the body of Christ.” Closing Thought You might be small, but your gift is BIG. God has placed something important inside you. And when you use your gift, God smiles! Closing Prayer “Dear God, thank you for giving each of us special gifts. Help us discover them, use them, and share them so your love can shine in our church and in our world. Amen.” Responsive Reading (with music) Psalm 122 UMH 845 Passing of the Peace Scripture Matthew 24:36-44 Sermon A Good Start The Post-it Note I hope you had a most meaningful and relaxing Thanksgiving. I did hear of one poor woman who had to patch up a friendship with a co-worker at the office. It seems that Mary was planning her Thanksgiving Day meal. Her in-laws were all going to be there, and she was in quite a tizzy trying to make sure everything turned out perfectly. She had post -it notes everywhere, reminding her of things she needed to pick up and things she needed to do. Her friend Sharon stopped by her desk at lunchtime on Wednesday. “Are you ready for lunch? This is the day you promised to take me out to Appleby’s for my birthday.” “Oh, yes indeed, Sharon!” said Mary as she tried to cover herself for having forgotten Sharon’s birthday. Sharon was a sensitive sort who got her nose bent out of shape at any perceived slight. Mary thought everything was just fine as they got into the car. But then, as she settled into her seat, Sharon, in a very sarcastic voice shouted, “Thanks a lot, Mary!” Mary asked, “What’s wrong now?” Her friend pointed to the post-it note stuck to Mary’s dashboard. It read, “Take out the turkey!” Staff So this is the Sunday where we make the big switch from fall harvest to advent. Thanksgiving was only 3 days ago, but I feel that I have aged so much since then. People picked up their final leaves of the season, we have had one of the biggest snow storms in ages, Wilmington has won the state championship. Eating turkey seems like a distant memory. In three days the world has literally been turned upside down. Today is the first Sunday of Advent, where we start at the end of the story. Matthew 24 is the beginning of the end of Jesus’ story. He has not been crucified yet, he is still alive to give is last lesson to his followers. He warns us to stay woke, to pay attention to life. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. We need to be prepared for the times when God breaks into our normal routines. Jesus ways that you never know when God will catch us off guard and change our lives forever. I think that there is one thing that we hate more that change. That is being caught off guard. I think that is why we spend so much time creating routines, rituals and plans. We don’t like surprises, we want to be prepared for everything that happens to us. We work so hard at creating a world that we understand, and yet life still happens. Being caught off guard is a natural part of life, but we spend billions to avoid it. Everyday the world shifts under our feet just a bit, and we have to choice but to adapt, or better yet, to transform. Every day we have an encounter with God – sometimes a big encounter, most of the time a small encounter. Coming face to face with God is uncomfortable, and it leaves us feeling vulnerable. But each time we meet with God we are changed for the better. Advent is the time when the coffee pot gets overturned. Jesus challenges us to let God enter our lives in new and refreshing ways. Matthew 24 is a warning and a promise. Jesus uses a flood, a kidnapper and a thief to shake us up our of complacency. The flood that caused Noah to build an ark, the kidnapper who took one farmer out of the field and left the other, and a thief who broke into a house in the middle of the night all have one thing in common – they were unexpected. Jesus says that you can’t prevent the unexpected, but you can learn how to respond to it. Jesus advice is to pay attention, and not get so distracted with life that you don’t recognize God knocking at the door. Be Prepared at all Times There was once an absent-minded professor who became so absorbed in his work that he forgot the simplest details. One morning his wife said, "Now Henry, remember, we are moving today. Here, I'm putting this note in your pocket. Don't forget." The day passed by and the man came home to his house. He entered the front door, and found the place empty. Distraught, he walked out to the curb and sat down. A young boy walked up to him, and he asked him, "Little boy, do you know the people who used to live here?" The boy replied, "Sure, Dad, mother told me you'd forget." How often do we become so absorbed in "the little things of this world" that we forget who we are and whose we are and where we are going... Donald L. Deffner, Seasonal Illustrations, Resource, 1992, p. 6. There is a story called What is the world like. God and a man are walking down a road. The man asks God, What is the world like? God replies, I cannot talk when I am thirsty. If you could get me a drink of cool water, we can discuss that the world is like. There is a village nearby, go and get me a drink. The man goes into the village and knocks at the door of the first house. A beautiful young woman opens the door. His jaw drops, but he manages to say I need a glass of cool water. Of course, she says smiling. But it is midday. Would you care to stay for some food? I am hungry he says looking over his shoulder. And your offer of food is a great kindness. He goes in and the door closes behind him. Thirty years go by. The man who wanted to know what the world was like and the woman who offered him food have married ad raised five children. He is a respected merchant and she is an honored member of the community. One day a terrible storm comes in off the ocean and threatens their lives. The merchant cries out Help me God. A voice from the midst of the storm says where is my cup of water? I think all of us know What it is like to get so busy with the life in front of us that we forget our relationship with God. TS Eliott says that we get comfortable with living and partly living. Advent is time to reclaim our relationship. A Jewish doctor says that she remembers her relationship with God when she washes her hands to treat a patient. She says a prayer of purification to remind her that she is doing God’s work with her hands. A businessman says that during Christmas he stops by the tree in the hallway of his building, it helps him to get in touch with his connection to the Holy. What are some ways that you can pause in your daily life to give honor to God? • Jesus warns us that it is our routines, rituals and plans to lull us to sleep in the spiritual life. They can rob God of the power to change our hearts. Between the times - Karl Barth o We live between Creation and re-creation, looking backward to what God has done, assured of God’s presence in the current moment, and (Advent!) looking at what God is doing/culminating Kingdom of God Matthew 24 is called apocalyptic literature. There are these stories all throughout the bible. They are stories of how God’s transformation breaks into everyday life. It is popular to talk about these stories as endtime stories. Transformation is unsettling – so we are afraid of it. But in God’s world, for every ending, there is always a new beginning. o Jesus talks about 2 people being in a field and one is taken and one is left behind. In our popular understanding God kidnaps one person and take that person to heaven and leaves the other person behind to go on about their life with no hope of salvation ever. The verbs that get translated “swept away” and “left behind” could have been “hauled off” and “forgiven” which makes much more sense in the context of the rest of this passage But what if we take that popular assumption of left behind and turn it upside down. What if the one left behind and goes on with life gets a chance to realize their sins and pray for forgiveness and learns God’s grace? What if that person gets the chance in life to change their lifesstyyle and they find the true definition of salvation. I don’t believe it is possible to continue to go through life and have no hope, no peace, no light. Life means that God is with us. The bible says that God is a God of the living. My friends, each one of us lives in the shadow of the apocalypse - the dark reality of the end of our time and the end of the world's time. That is the warning of Advent. But there is also good news. There is also the promise of Advent - the promise that in the darkness, in the shadows, in the unpredictable anxiety of our unfinished lives, God is present. God is in control, and God will come again. With each candle we light, the shadows recede a bit, and the promise comes closer. With each candle we light, we are proclaiming that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness will never overcome it. The promise is that wherever there is darkness and dread in our lives, wherever there is darkness and dread in the world around us, God is present to help us endure. God is in charge, and hope is alive. And as long and as interminable as the night seems, morning will come - in God's good time and God's good way. Susan R. Andrews, The Offense of Grace, CSS Publishing Company o “what if this week, as our homework, we take stock of their lives, asking what it is that they most fear about an uncertain future, and then reminding them of the promise that whether or not their immediate fears are realized, we were created for more than fear because Jesus, the Son of Man and Son of God whose coming birth we anticipate, has promised to come always to be both with us and for us” (David Lose, Workingpreacher.com) • Charles Dickens story of Ebenezer Scrooge is also a warning tale of taking our everyday life too seriously. We all know the story. Like Dickens’s beloved character Scrooge, the future is never set, but it is always coming. We are left to prepare for the future. Lighting candles in the midst of growing darkness is the Christian way. Not giving into the darkness is the epitome of discipleship. We know not the details of the future. We know not just how dark it may get, but we know that the light of a single candle can hold it off. Let is pray……. Song We’ve a Story to Tell the Nations UMH 569 Prayers of the People In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, kindle in us the desire to remain awake; that we might be ready for your coming and eager to pray. O God, in days to come, the mountain of your house will be established, and your joy shall reign. We pray for the church (especially…), that you might teach us your ways and that we might walk in your paths. Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer. Out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and you, O God, shall judge between the nations. We pray for our nation, and all nations, that your peace would be manifest in every corner of the earth. Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer. In your Kingdom, O Lord, wolves lie down with lambs and children play with serpents without fear. We pray for the sick, the suffering, and those in distress of any kind (especially…); that you would heal all injuries, comfort all grief, and settle all wrongs. Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer. In your Kingdom, O Lord, even the wilderness and dry land are glad and rejoice. We pray for those who rejoice this week as they celebrate their birthday (especially… and anniversaries…); that they might obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing might flee away. Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer. In the fullness of time, O God, you sent your son to be born of our sister Mary. And his name was Emmanuel: God with Us. We thank you for your Presence with us, and we pray that you might be always present with those whom we love but see no longer. Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer. Come among us, O God, and hear our prayers; so that when your Son Jesus comes among us with great might, and in manger mild, we might recognize his face and his voice, and come to adore him. Amen. Written by Fr. Rick Morley and posted on rick morley, Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “A prison cell (is one) in which one waits, hopes…and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside. (N)ot a bad picture of Advent.” Today we begin the season of Advent, recognizing in some ways how we, ourselves, live behind the bars which can only be opened from the outside. Gratefully, we seek to follow the One who came to set people free. And, when we claim that freedom, we become people who can open the doors for those still bound by fear, poverty, or pain. Our financial gifts today will help keep the ministries of this congregation able to serve those whose lives are restricted (name a particular ministry, or a particular Advent effort of your congregation). Your generosity today may well be the gift which allows someone to know the freeing power of the Holy. Let us receive our morning offering, tithes and gifts. Prayer of Thanksgiving Generous God, Thank you for all you have given us. Thank you for the ways we’re set free in Jesus, the Christ. Receive now these offered gifts. Help us use them to transform the world as we work to be the strong hands and feet of the Body of Christ, here and now. Open us each day to more ways to give in this season of giving, so we might both make change and BE the change you desire to lean us all toward true freedom. Amen. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook We do not leave this sanctuary and leave God behind. God’s call to prepare our hearts, our minds, our communities and our world for the coming Christ is clear. May this call be ever before us; guiding us, inspiring us, enabling us to be Christ’s body — his hands, his feet, his heart — in this, God’s world. May the grace, hope, peace and love of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, be with us all, now and forever. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Community Time – Sharing of Joys and Concerns Benediction Advent people, go from this place in the blessing of God who journeys with us, guiding our path as we wait, watch, and work for the day when we beat swords into plowshares and follow the path of peace until God’s kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2025. Additional Illustrations

Benediction is the beginning of Service

November 23, 2025 Luke 1:68-79 Christ the King Sunday Commitment Sunday Benediction is the beginning of Service Prelude Greeting Call to Worship We gather for worship today to celebrate our gifts. We are celebrating the gifts we give to this church, the pledges we are making for the upcoming year. We gather for worship today to celebrate our community. We are celebrating the love and support that we give to one another; the constant quest that we are on to be united by God’s grace. We gather for worship today to celebrate our future. We are celebrating a future full of outreach, a future full of service, a future full of worship and a future full of growth. We are celebrating a future with hope. We gather for worship today to celebrate our visions. We are celebrating the visions of those who have come before us, the visions that brought us to where we are today and the visions that we see today for the future. Let us gather in celebration! Let us worship God! (Rev. Sarah Weaver) Opening Prayer We come this day, rejoicing, in the presence of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. At his birth the angels proclaimed his name to be Emmanuel, God with us. Today in this place, in this time of worship, may we truly feel the power and presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. May our hearts and spirits be warmed and challenged to proclaim with our lives, "Christ is Lord!". AMEN. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Song All Hail the Power of Jesus Name UMH 155 A Sermon for all Ages Object Lesson: “The Flashlight King” Props Needed: • A flashlight (preferably a bright one) • A paper crown (or toy crown) • A small blanket or towel to drape over the flashlight at first ________________________________________ Start With a Question Hold up the paper crown. “What is this? What do kings usually look like? What do kings usually do?” (Let the kids answer.) Say: “Most kings live in castles, have lots of power, and want people to listen to them all the time.” ________________________________________ Introduce Jesus’ Kingship Now hold up the flashlight—but keep it covered with the blanket so it is not shining yet. “Today is Christ the King Sunday, and Jesus is our King. But Jesus isn’t like other kings. Jesus didn’t come with armies or gold or fancy clothes.” Point to the flashlight: “He came to bring something much better than all of that.” ________________________________________ The Reveal: Jesus Brings Light Uncover the flashlight and turn it on. Let the light shine. “Zechariah says in our Bible story that Jesus came to bring light to people who sit in darkness. Jesus is the King who lights the way.” Move the flashlight around so it shines on the children or the wall. “When we don’t know what to do… When we feel afraid… When the world feels confusing… Jesus shines His light to show us the way.” ________________________________________ Compare Crowns Hold up the paper crown next to the shining flashlight. “Most kings rule with a crown and power and thrones. But Jesus rules with light, love, kindness, and peace.” Place the crown gently on the flashlight (symbolically crowning it). “Jesus is the Light King—the King who helps us see. The King who guides our feet into the way of peace.” ________________________________________ Make It Personal Ask the children: “What are some ways we can shine light like Jesus this week?” Let them answer (examples: sharing, helping someone, being kind, saying sorry, praying, listening). ________________________________________ Closing Line “So today, remember: Jesus is our King—our Light—and we can help shine His love wherever we go.” ________________________________________ Prayer “Jesus, thank You for being our King of Light. Help us shine Your love this week and guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.” Scripture Luke 1:68-79 Sermon Benediction is the beginning of Service There was a sense of anxiety as our seminary classmates gathered that day. To a person they had been surprised when the professor announced that there would be a final exam. Everyone was asking, "How can you have a final exam in preaching?" How could one prepare? What sort of questions might be asked? Throughout the year there had been lectures on sermon preparation and style, but mostly it had been a course of practice and critique. Finally, the professor, who was himself a splendid and engaging preacher, strode into the room and a quiet fell. The familiar blue books were distributed. "Gentlemen," he began, "you may use your Bibles for this exam. You have three hours. There is just one question and it has three parts. Here it is: You have one last sermon to preach in your ministry. It's your last best shot. Choose your text and theme, explain why you have chosen them, and give a full, detailed outline for the development of that sermon." That morning and that question have left lasting marks upon this preacher's life and his ministry! Today brings us that one last shot in this church year. Today the church brings to conclusion all that has been revealed and celebrated in the gospel story of God's work for our salvation since that story began with Advent's hope a year ago. Today it must come together for us into one concluding proclamation about Jesus Christ who is "King of kings and Lord of lords." And today we must address that ultimate question about Christ's lordship in our lives and in our world… I. A Year That Comes Full Circle Today is a strange and beautiful Sunday in the church year. • It is Christ the King Sunday, the grand finale of the Christian year. • It is the Sunday before Thanksgiving—when our tables are almost ready, our travel plans nearly set. • It is also the threshold of Advent, just seven days before candles are lit, hymns begin to shift, and we lean once again toward the manger. We stand today at a crossroads: an ending, a beginning, and a moment of gratitude—all at once. And what better Scripture to stand with us than Zechariah’s song in Luke 1? Because Luke 1 is the beginning of the story, yet Zechariah’s song reads as though he already knows how it ends— with Christ as King, with mercy triumphing over fear, with light breaking into darkness, with a kingdom not made by human hands. On this last Sunday of the year, Luke brings us back to the very first dawn of hope. ________________________________________ II. The Gospel of Luke—What We Learned This Year As we close the Christian year, let’s take a moment to remember what the Gospel of Luke has been teaching us: 1. God’s Kingdom Comes to the Ordinary Luke is the gospel where God comes to: • Zechariah and Elizabeth—older, tired, praying for years. • Mary—a young woman from a small town. • Shepherds—night-shift workers tending sheep. Luke teaches us that God’s kingship does not begin in palaces but in barns, homes, and small corners of the world. 2. Jesus Lifts Up the Lowly and Sets Captives Free From the Magnificat to the first sermon in Nazareth— “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”— Luke reveals a King who: • blesses the poor, • feeds the hungry, • heals the broken, • touches the unclean, • welcomes the outsider, • forgives sinners, • and listens—deeply listens—to people no one else hears. Luke teaches us that Christ’s kingdom is upside-down: the last are first, the lost are found, the sinner is restored, and the forgotten are honored. 3. Jesus Is the King Who Walks Toward Jerusalem Luke’s Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem long before the cross draws near. He shows us that kingship in God’s kingdom looks like: • Courage • Sacrifice • Mercy • Self-giving love Luke teaches us a King who does not sit on a throne far away, but one who walks with us, even into death. 4. Luke Shows Us a King Who Will Not Stay Dead Luke ends with risen life, burning hearts on the road to Emmaus, and a promise: “You will be my witnesses.” Luke teaches us that death is not the final word, because the King is alive. ________________________________________ III. Zechariah’s Song: A Hymn for the End of the Year And so, on this final Sunday of the Christian year, we hear Zechariah sing: **“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.” (v. 68)** This is not a song for kings who sit on earthly thrones. It is a song for a King who redeems, who comes near, who remembers mercy. “He has raised up a mighty savior for us.” (v. 69) But notice—this mighty Savior begins as a child, in vulnerability, in humility, in love. Zechariah sings of: • mercy remembered, • covenant fulfilled, • enemies scattered, • fear lifted, • light breaking forth, • and a path of peace. This is the King he foresees. This is the King we celebrate. ________________________________________ IV. Why Christ Is King On Christ the King Sunday, we do not crown a ruler who: • taxes us, • conquers us, • or commands armies. We crown a King who: • breaks chains, • feeds the hungry, • heals the sick, • forgives sinners, • welcomes prodigals, • touches lepers, • calms storms, • and washes feet. He rules not with fear but with grace. Not with force but with truth. Not with wealth but with poverty of spirit. Not with domination but with mercy. Christ is King because: • He is the light that no darkness can overcome. • He is the love that death cannot destroy. • He is the peace the world cannot give. Kings of this world reign for a season. Christ reigns for eternity. Kings of this world cling to power. Christ gives it away. Kings of this world demand allegiance. Christ invites relationship. Kings of this world sit on thrones. Christ hangs on a cross— and that is where his kingship is revealed. ________________________________________ V. Preparing for Thanksgiving and Advent This week, many of us will gather around tables full of good things. And Luke reminds us: in Christ’s kingdom, there is always room for one more at the table. This week, we give thanks—but not just for blessings. We give thanks for: • God’s mercy, • God’s promises, • God’s faithfulness through this past year, • God’s presence in every high and low, • God’s kingdom breaking in—often quietly, often unexpectedly. And next Sunday, Advent begins. We start again at the manger, at the beginning of Luke’s story, at the small spark of hope. We end today with a King enthroned on a cross, and we begin next week with a baby wrapped in bands of cloth. The Christian year turns like a wheel— from hope to birth, from ministry to death, from resurrection to mission, and back again to hope. ________________________________________ VI. “To Guide Our Feet into the Way of Peace” Zechariah ends with a promise: “…to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (v. 79) Is that not exactly what we need now? • In a world noisy with division. • In a season that can overwhelm us. • In a year that has been heavy for many. • In a nation that aches for healing. • In homes where there is worry and weariness. Christ the King comes to guide our feet— not into comfort, not into ease, but into the way of peace. Peace that forgives wrongs. Peace that feeds the hungry. Peace that shelters the lonely. Peace that seeks justice. Peace that refuses hatred. Peace that whispers hope. Peace that restores community. Peace that begins with us. This is the kingdom. This is the King. This is the way. ________________________________________ VII. A Final Word as the Year Ends So as we close the Christian year: • Look back with gratitude. • Stand in the present with reverence. • Step into Advent with hope. And as we crown Christ as our King today, let us remember: He is not far away. He is not unreachable. He is not finished with us. He is the King who: • hears your prayers, • knows your struggles, • carries your burdens, • strengthens your spirit, • and calls you by name. And he is the King who will come again— not in terror but in love, not to condemn but to heal, not to destroy but to restore. Let us follow him into the new year. Let us walk in his mercy. Let us trust his grace. Let us rejoice that: **Christ is King— yesterday, today, and forever.** Finally, Some of us are uncomfortable with the thought of having a king in our lives. But let us be reminded that Christ is a new kind of King, of a new kind of kingdom. Christ opens up a world which encourages us to serve as well as lead. To bring others to the spiritual table where we are fed. To be grateful for the gifts that God has given us. Christ kingship makes our lives and the lives of those around us better. Our response to Christ’s love is to live in holiness. It was a theologian, that said that following Christ isn’t so much about doing something to make you holy, it is making holy whatever you do in life. Wherever you are and whatever you do, let Christ’s spirit be present also. Christ’s presence opens doors for wonderful things to happen in the world. If Christ comes with you to work, than can you treat your colleagues with anything less than kindness, respect, fairness and love. If Christ comes to the dinner table with you, can we treat family any less than royalty. When Christ is our king, we allow his spirit to flow in our lives. We acknowledge Christ’s sovereignty in every situation. To God be the glory! Say it with me: To God be the glory! Now I want you to repeat that phrase after me, like a refrain. Each time I speak a line, I want you to respond with: To God be the glory! Ok? Let’s try it! “The weather is beautiful today!” [To God be the glory!] The beginning of the season of advent has come upon us! [To God be the glory!] We haven’t met our financial budget this month….we are short about $800. [To God be the glory!] [What? I can’t hear you….let’s try that again…..To God be the glory!] The bathroom sprung a leak, and flooded the tiles. [To God be the glory!.... what? It’s a bit harder this time?] The turkey burned, but there’s plenty of Brussel sprouts and spinach! [To God be the glory! ….] [Come on ….help me now….. what else is going on in your week?....] [allow people to shout out phrases….. followed by “To God be the Glory!”] If we can find the glory of Christ in every situation, then Christ is indeed our King. Let us pray…… Amen. Song Crown Him with Many Crowns UMH 327 Pastoral Prayer (Do not Print) Father of Blessings, As we gather this morning, and as we look forward to Thanksgiving here in a few days, we can't help but pause for a minute and give you thanks. We often think as if we are independent creatures. As if what we have is a result of our own strength. As if we are owed things. But in truth we are deeply dependent. Our simple existence is gifted. The air we breathe, the crops that provide our food, the sun in the sky, the earth beneath our feet – we made none of this. We uphold none of it. All of it is from you who created and sustain all things. We did not knit ourselves together in our mothers' wombs – you did. We do not keep our hearts beating and our bodies working – you do. We take the things you have made and with our hands that you have designed and our minds that you have formed we make of them objects and hold them up to heaven and say “Look at how great we are.” And in your fatherly grace, you forgive us for even this presumption, although in truth they are all from you. Even more than all of this, we do not deserve salvation. We do not deserve to be Your sons and daughters. We rebelled against You, and by all rights we should have been consumed. But You spare us, You paid the price we cannot pay, and You offer us life that we cannot earn. Every physical blessing and every spiritual blessing flows from You. Forgive us for our ungratefulness, Father. Hear our gratitude: thank You for all that You provide. Even though after all of that we might be chastened, we thank You and still come with our requests. We come believing that You are so unbelievably generous that, even with all You have done, You might give us still more. So, Lord, hear our prayers for those on our minds and hearts this morning. Bring healing to those who are sick or in pain. Comfort and uphold them in the face of life's challenges. Carry them through this broken world and bind up the ways this brokenness has affected their lives. Protect those in dangerous places: those in situations made dark by sin, those who work to serve and protect others, and those who are far away. Make Yourself known to them and wrap Your Spirit around them to keep them safe. Provide for us our daily bread. Give us confidence in life's hard times, a confidence that flows from the knowledge that You are in control. Not a sparrow falls without Your care, and we are no sparrows, we are Your children. Teach us to give thanks, to look at this world not out of fear or out of possessiveness but out of the security that rests in knowing that all of this is from You. We give You praise, for from You and for You and to You are all things. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, through whom and in whom we have true blessing. AMEN (Pastor Eric Tonjes) Lord’s Prayer UMH 894 Stewardship Moment Litany Litany of Dedication for Stewardship Pledges L: Almighty and Everlasting God, we give You thanks this day as we gather the pledges of support for Your Church in the coming year. We bring them before You with eager anticipation and hope. P: Hear us, O God, as we give You our thanks and praise. L: For those whose lives have been touched by Your Spirit, who have increased their commitment, P: We give You thanks and praise. L: For those who are responding to Your creative grace by pledging for the first time, P: We give You thanks and praise. L: For those who are tithing, and even exceeding a tithe, P: We give You thanks and praise. L: For those whose lives are in transition or turmoil and who feel they cannot pledge, but who continue to be a vital part of our community, P: We give You thanks and praise and we pray for calm in their lives. L: For committee workers who have labored in this effort to enable Your people to make a pledge of support for Your Church, P: We give You thanks and praise. L: That each one of us, and Your whole Church, become more faithful to the call of service in Jesus Christ, P: We ask Your continuing guidance and care. L: That these pledges may emerge as real gifts, thereby enabling the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ to move forward through this congregation and the Church Universal, P: In the name of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to this action. Amen and Amen. (Linway United Presbyterian Church) Prayer of Thanksgiving Loving God, you have given us life and freedom. Everything we have and everything that we are is a gift from you. You call us to be stewards of this gift. As caretakers of all that you have provided, we give back now. We dedicate these gifts to you. Bless these tithes and offerings. Help us to always use your gifts wisely. Lead us as we share them generously with others. Help our faithful stewardship to show Christ to others. We pray these things in the name of our Messiah, Jesus the Christ. Amen. (Christian Smith) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Oh Jesus, You are the King of Glory, You are the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. And we pray that your Kingdom will reign forever in our hearts and in this world. Lord, we pray for your Kingdom to come here now, bringing a kingdom of justice, righteousness, hope, love, peace, mercy and grace for all. Lord, we ask that you rule in our hearts, lead in this world and govern over your kingdom. (Rev. Abi) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction Though the days increase in their darkness, the Lord of light and love reigns supreme. May the power of God’s love be in your hearts and reflected in your lives now and always. Go in peace, and may God’s peace be with you. AMEN. Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: November 20, 2022,” Ministry Matters, https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/4411/worship-connection-november-20-2022. Accepting a Human Messiah In contrast to the theology of the cross and our suffering/dying king. Robert Capon in Hunting the Divine Fox presents a wonderful picture of our typical American Messiah -- and it doesn't look much like Jesus on the cross. . . . almost nobody resists the temptation to jazz up the humanity of Christ. The true paradigm of the ordinary American view of Jesus is Superman: "Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. It's Superman! Strange visitor from another planet, who came to earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, and who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American Way." If that isn't popular christology, I'll eat my hat. Jesus -- gentle, meek and mild, but with secret, souped-up, more-than-human insides -- bumbles around for thirty-three years, nearly gets himself done in for good by the Kryptonite Kross, but at the last minute, struggles into the phone booth of the Empty Tomb, changes into his Easter suit and, with a single bound, leaps back up to the planet Heaven. It's got it all -- including, just so you shouldn't miss the lesson, kiddies: He never once touches Lois Lane. You think that's funny? Don't laugh. The human race is, was and probably always will be deeply unwilling to accept a human messiah. We don't want to be saved in our humanity; we want to be fished out of it. We crucified Jesus, not because he was God, but because he blasphemed: He claimed to be God and then failed to come up to our standards for assessing the claim. It's not that we weren't looking for the Messiah; it's just that he wasn't what we were looking for. Our kind of Messiah would come down from a cross. He would carry a folding phone booth in his back pocket. He wouldn't do a stupid thing like rising from the dead. He would do a smart thing like never dying." [pp. 90-91; this book has been reprinted, along with two others under the title The Romance of the Word: One Man's Love Affair with Theology] Robert Capon, quoted by Brian Stoffregen, Exegetical Notes Working for Christ’s Kingdom The application to those of us who love Jesus Christ is clear. What He loved and desired, we should love and desire and work to complete. His work is to see lost men saved and built up. His work is to see this world redeemed. His work is to see this unfinished world be brought to completion. We who love Him are called to complete the task. Hellen Keller once said, "The world is moved along not only by the mighty shove of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." That's who we are and that's what we are called to do. There was once a farmer who had two mules. One was named Willing and the other was named Able. However, Willing was willing but was not able. Able was able but was not willing. The farmer did not get much done. Christ needs people who are willing and able. And the ironic thing is that when we subordinate our desires to His desire, when we enlist as privates in His army, when we serve as priests in His temple, which is the world, when we give ourselves in His service, it is then that we are lifted up. In losing ourselves we find ourselves. That is the nature of His kingdom. King Duncan, Collected Sermons,www.Sermons.com Scratching God’s Hand Fred Craddock tells about a family that was taking a lovely Sunday afternoon drive, when suddenly the children began shouting, “Stop the car! There’s a kitten by the road!” The father kept on driving, but his children wouldn’t quiet down. He tried to reason with them. The kitten was probably someone’s pet. It might have a disease. The family already had too many pets. It did no good. The children insisted that a loving father would stop the car for a stray cat. So finally the father drove back to the spot and reached for the scraggly kitten. The ungrateful little beast scratched him! Fighting an instinct to strangle the kitten, the father packed it into the car and took it home. Once at home, the children created a bed for the kitten out of their softest blankets. They fed the kitten droppers full of milk. They petted and fussed over the kitten. Soon, the kitten was purring and rubbing on family members, especially the father, as if he were its best friend. The father looked at the scars on his hand left by the frightened and ungrateful kitten. Then he looked at the comfortable, well-fed kitten rubbing against his leg. Had he suddenly become more worthy of love? No. His intentions toward the cat had always been to do it good, not harm. Something had happened to the kitten that made it feel secure, loved, accepted. How often does God try to bless us? And how often do we respond by scratching God’s hand? King Duncan, adapted from a sermon by Will Healy,www.Sermons.com Fallen and Trapped In October 1987, l year old Jessica McClure of Midland, Texas fell down an abandoned well. She was found on a ledge 22 feet below the surface. There she was, crying for her mother, in the cold darkness of this well. Her plight captured the attention of the entire nation. The people of the town gathered to rescue her. Hour after hour for two and a half days they worked. Federal Express here in Memphis, you will recall, flew down a special drill bit to aid in the rescue. I very distinctly remember the hour that she was rescued, because it was on a Friday night and I was home watching TV when they broke in to show the dramatic pictures. Anyone who did not have a tear in their eye when that little child was pulled out is hopeless. Saved, thank God, she was saved. Friends, each one of us are in the same condition morally and spiritually as that litt1e girl. We have fallen into the darkness of sin and there we are trapped. We cannot extradite ourselves, although the tragedy is that we think that we can. Someone must dig and dig until we are released from this darkness and despair. What we need is a Savior. That is what Jesus did for us on the cross. By his death he redeemed us from the consequences of sin. In Christ, God did for us what we would never have been able to do for ourselves. Brett Blair and Staff, Collected Sermons,www.Sermons.com Christ the King This is Christ the King Sunday. We have heard the whole story; we have all the information. So now—how do we recognize Jesus as King? We “independent, stand on our two feet, nobody tells us what to do, rugged individualist” Americans, how do we recognize Jesus as King? In Luke’s story of the crucifixion nobody there seems to recognize Jesus as King. Luke has painted us into his story as well. He describes the people who do nothing except to stand there and watch. “And the people stood by, watching.” That’s us, isn’t it? Grinding poverty is slowly destroying our urban youth and we just stand by and watch, preferably from a distance, preferably from inside a gated community. Watching the world turn secular, we know that there is a spiritual side to life but it just can’t crack our tightly wound schedules. We think about a Bible study but just can’t tolerate the idea of one more thing to attend. We won’t even pull off the road to watch a sunset for fear that we will be late to the next appointment. In trying to do everything, we are doing nothing of lasting value for our souls. When a king passes by in your life, you don’t just stand and watch. You respond. Bill McDonald, How Do You Recognize a King? Several years ago I heard a Scottish preacher share a parable from his homeland. He said that it was a tradition that after Jesus had died on Good Friday and had descended into Hell to set free the sinners therein, he was met by the Devil. The latter said to Jesus, "Now that you’ve left the earth, what plans do you have for your work." The legend says that Jesus responded, "Why I’ve left Peter, and James, and John, and a host of others to carry on my work." To which the Devil replied, "... and if they should fail, what other plans do you have?" Jesus then said, "I have no other plans; I’m counting on them." As Daniel Tiger asks, “Can you find something good in this?” In one episode, Daniel goes to the bakery and chooses the best birthday cake in the shape of a tiger just like him. He helps mold it until it looks stunning. He carries it home, but it gets jostled about a bit, and when he opens the box, the cake is sunken and misshapen. And his friends will be there any moment! Daniel is devastated. His cake is ruined. But his father reminds him, “When something seems bad, turn it around, and find something good!” “Daniel, can you find something good still in this cake?” Daniel at first has a hard time….but then he realizes, it still tastes good! He samples it to see. No matter how it looks, it’s still a great cake, and he shares it with his friends. Sometimes, we too look at the surface when it comes to God. We look at our lives and see only a shrunken cake. We live in a state of shrunken hopes and sullen disappointment that things don’t ever go quite as we hope they will. But God reminds us…..look further. Taste and see that the Lord is good! Take time….ponder, think, pray…..with thanks and praise. Glorify God! Because God has done something in YOUR life that is very, very good!