Advent

Gaudete sermon

December 13, 2009

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 “Whose way John the Baptist prepared.” These words are in our Advent liturgy every year. They’re about Jesus, “Whose way John the Baptist prepared.” They’re about Jesus. Everything John the Baptist did was about Jesus. It was that way from the beginning, when he was yet in his mother Elizabeth’s womb. He [...]

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Ad te levavi (Advent 1) sermon

November 29, 2009

Gospel: Matthew 21:1-9 Our Lord has a strange way of acting. He shows his power in mercy; He demonstrates His glory in humility. His crown is made of thorns; His throne is a place of execution; His priests kill Him. Our Lord has always acted in ways that are the opposite of what anyone would [...]

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Word cloud for Advent 1 sermon

November 28, 2009

This is a word cloud for tomorrow’s sermon on Matthew 21:1-9.

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Real priests wear rose

March 22, 2009

I lost 5 followers on Twitter today with the remark, “Real priests wear rose.” So in the comments, please suggest short items equally scandalous by which I can weed out the rest of the chaff among my followers on Twitter. Rose (NOT pink!) is the liturgical color for Gaudete (the third Sunday in Advent) and [...]

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Rorate Coeli

December 21, 2008

Sermon for Advent IV: John 1.19-28   “There stands One among you whom you do not know.” John the Baptist is referring to Jesus, who is the Christ. He was in their midst, but they did not recognize Him. Could that be said of you? You come outwardly to worship Christ here, but do you [...]

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Betjeman

December 27, 2007

Everybody loves the Christmas poem. (Well, not everybody. I am astonished at the utterly asinine comments found here.) But did you know there’s an Advent poem too? Now that guy could write a rant that rhymed! P.S. Please don’t tell me you did. It will be like the day I tried to tell Kantor Resch [...]

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Christ is all in all

December 22, 2007

Luther’s sermon on tomorrow’s Gospel (John 1.19-28) in the Haus Postil is shorter than usual, but very powerful. Here is an excerpt: What I am telling you is that it is easier for us humans to believe and trust in everything else than in the man Christ, who alone is all in all, and more [...]

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Sermon for Gaudete – Matthew 11.2-11

December 17, 2007

Joseph Conrad’s classic work Heart of Darkness takes place in the barbaric world of nineteenth-century ivory trading in the Congo. On the surface, the “darkness” appears 3to be unenlightened, undeveloped, uncivilized Africa. But the real darkness that Morrow, the main character, discovers is the darkness in men’s hearts, no matter where they are from or [...]

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The Bridegroom is not harsh with His bride

December 10, 2007

Some thoughts from my notes for last Sunday’s sermon that didn’t quite fit with the rest: “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them” (Colossians 3.19) These words are more than relationship advice. They are a divine commandment. A husband–no matter how orthodox his theology–does not please the LORD when he is [...]

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Sermon for Advent II: Luke 21.25-36

December 10, 2007

“The day is coming.” No, not that day. Not Christmas Day. You have already begun to prepare for Christmas, I’m sure. Some presents are purchased, cards are mailed, parties planned. People put a lot of effort into preparing for that day. But that is not the day for which God’s Word calls us to prepare. [...]

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