Matthew 2:1-12
Today’s Scripture reading from Matthew recounts the story of the “wise men from the east” who come to Judea to worship to the newly born Savior. Though featured in countless popular Christmas scenes along with Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds and angels from Luke 2, the Magi and their gifts are more…
Parish Presbyterian
Matthew 1:22-25
Many popular Advent and Christmas traditions come to us from the German-speaking world—the Advent wreath, the Advent calendar, the Christmas tree—and the hymnody of the season is no exception. Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming, written in a monastic community in Trier in the Rhineland-Palatinate, refers to Jesus as a flower much…
Matthew 1:18-21
In this morning’s sermon text from the Gospel of Matthew, an angel appears to Joseph to announce that the miraculous child in Mary’s womb “will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Many of the elements in the service today likewise focus on Christ’s coming as a Savior. Our Call…
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel.
—Phillips Brooks
Advent is usually observed as a season of confession, preparation, and anticipation, looking forward to the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. You’ll notice several added elements in the service this morning: lighting of candles during the Call to Worship, purple accents on the…
As we come to the end of the church year, it is appropriate that we look back on the year that has passed with thanksgiving. In a season that has certainly presented challenges in our world and our culture, the Lord has nevertheless poured out blessings on us—bringing new faces, new lives, and new opportunities…
“Justice” is a term that we often hear in our contemporary cultural moment. On social media posts, in high profile court cases, and even in the streets, our nation has been in turmoil over questions of justice. But who determines the standard for justice? Is justice simply what benefits my tribe or interest group? Or…
“Justice” is a term that we often hear in our contemporary cultural moment. On social media posts, in high profile court cases, and even in the streets, our nation has been in turmoil over questions of justice. But who determines the standard for justice? Is justice simply what benefits my tribe or interest group? Or…
Dr. John Currie (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is Dean of Pastoral Theology, Professor of Pastoral Theology, and Director of the D.Min Program at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Currie’s academic interests include expository preaching and pastoral leadership. Dr. Currie has extensive pastoral experience and is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Before serving at…
Today marks the 504th anniversary of Martin Luther’s launching of the Protestant Reformation in 1517. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Western church was coming to the end of a long period of forgetfulness, corruption, and turmoil. Similarly, the book of Lamentations presents a picture of a people trusting in their own righteousness—…