Pastor's Corner: WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?

  Advent: The Gift of Love I John 4:9-11 Introduction:  Christmas is only a week away! So far, our Advent series has considered the traditional themes of Hope, Peace, and Joy. The messianic hope of the Jews was realized as Jesus, the promised Messiah, was born. His first coming also reinforces our hope in the promise of His return. He came to offer us reconciliation, peace with God. As we entrust ourselves to Him, we experience the peace of God in our hearts. The Good News of His birth is cause for rejoicing , joy that goes beyond the circumstances of the moment. Now this week, we consider the “Gift of Love .” Do you love Christmas? Some might agree and say, “Yes, especially the parties and presents!” That is not what I have in mind with the sermon title. Love for our families is certainly something we should cherish, but even that is not the most fundamental connection between love and Christmas.  Christmas is a revelation of  God’s  love for us , and a motivation to love Him

  The Joy of Advent: Joy to the World, the Lord has Come! Luke 2:9-12 Introduction : One of the songs we sing at Christmas exclaims, “ Joy to the World, the Lord has come! ” Yet when we see the pressures, the frantic shopping, and the focus on parties, gifts and giving, is “joy” really what you think about at Christmas?  I read a story of a mother wearily dragging her young child through a department store, finishing some last-minute shopping, and the child paused at a nativity display. Mom said, “Let’s go, we’re late!” The child asked, “Mom, can’t I look at Jesus for a minute?” The tired mother pulled her along, “We don’t have time to look at Jesus!” Joy to the world? Is this what Christmas has become for us? Only if we let it be so.         Christmas celebrates a critical moment in human history: God entered our story, taking on himself a human nature. He came into this fallen world, knowing that His path would lead to Calvary. The theology is clear: we  should  be joyful, if w

  The Advent of Peace Isaiah 9:2-7 Introduction :   Last Sunday we transitioned from Thanksgiving to Advent by focusing on the “Advent of Hope.” Hope realized, and hope in future. We have confidence that God is good, and that he is working. Though we don’t always understand, we anticipate expectantly the unfolding of His plan. We believe God. We trust Him. We have hope .         This week our advent celebration turns to the theme of “peace .”   In the light of our experience, the angels’ announcement on that first Christmas might seem strange in Luke 2:14, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! " War in Ukraine. Tensions in the mid-east. Saber rattling on the Korean peninsula. Unrest in countries like Haiti and Brazil. Violence in schools and on the streets of American cities – even right here in Philadelphia. Peace on Earth?   We see conflict between nations, struggles in the work place, problems in our homes and fami