Sermons from November 2021

Jesus is Coming

Today is the first Sunday in the church’s year. Advent Sunday. The first of four Sundays as we prepare to celebrate and remember Christ’s incarnation. And alongside our preparation for the coming of Christ as a human baby, as kind of a subplot, is our longing for the return of Christ in all his glory to sort out the mess that we humans create.

Jesus v. the Empire

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14Psalm 93Revelation 1:4b-8John 18:33-37 In the year 312, the Roman emperor had a dream. The night before the battle of Milvian Bridge which is in northern Italy, according to the 4th century historian, Lanctancius, the emperor Constantine “was advised in a dream to mark the heavenly sign of God on the shields of his soldiers and then engage in battle. He did as he was commanded and by means of a letter X turned sideways, with the top…

The New Story

Daniel 12:1-3Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25Mark 13:1-8 I have always been puzzled by the disciple in today’s gospel reading. What’s the big deal? Hasn’t he seen the temple before? Is he admiring the architecture like a tourist might? Or is he just wanting Jesus’ attention and doesn’t know what to say – “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Or could it be that he (note that I am assuming it was a man) was still thinking that Jesus…

When God lets My Body Be

when god lets my body be From each brave eye shall sprout a treefruit dangles therefrom the purpled world will dance uponBetween my lips which did sing a rose shall beget the springthat maidens whom passions wastes will lay between their little breastsMy strong fingers beneath the snow Into strenuous birds shall gomy love walking in the grass their wings will touch with their faceand all the while shall my heart be With the bulge and nuzzle of the sea   …