Acts 22-23 tells the story of Paul defending himself to the Jewish authorities after his arrest, one of several legal trials he will endure before the end of his earthly Apostolic career. Courtroom imagery and language can be found throughout this morning’s service: see how often you find terms like “judge,” “justice,” “acquitted,” “condemned,” and…
After a six-week break during the Advent and Christmas seasons, we are returning to our sermon series through Acts. This morning, we’ll hear Paul doing a bit of “returning” as well, retelling the story of his conversion and call to ministry. The familiar “Road to Damascus” account is told in Acts 22 with fresh details…
Light has been a consistent motif found in Christmas celebrations throughout history. From the legend of St. Lucy’s candle headdress which enlivens the winter solstice in Scandinavia, to the “star singer” processions of central Europe where children re-enact the visit of the Magi while singing hymns, these images point to Christ as “the true light”…
December 28 has traditionally marked the observance of Childermas. Also called the Feast of the Holy Innocents in some traditions, this is a day of remembrance and mourning for the children of Bethlehem murdered by the order of King Herod, a story recounted in Matthew 2. Along with Stephen, whose feast day (December 26) is also observed during…
Don’t you love singing Advent and Christmas hymns at this time of year? There are so many rich pieces of poetry and music that we only sing during this season, we typically need to make a spreadsheet (beginning in November) to make sure that we don’t miss any! We try to group the seasonal hymns…
The sermon text this morning begins with a call to rejoice in the coming of our king. Similarly, our service begins with the call of, “Good Christian men, rejoice… Christ is born today,” in addition to the glad shout of, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come!” Zechariah goes on to describe the great…
Today’s sermon text from the prophet Malachi describes a scene of the Lord suddenly coming to His temple in person to cleanse His people and purify their worship. This language is used frequently in some of our most beloved Advent and Christmas hymns. Most directly, the hymn Angels From The Realms Of Glory nearly quotes…
Advent has historically been observed as a season of confession, preparation, and anticipation, looking forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. You’ll notice several elements in the service this morning that are different from other times of the year: candles are lit during the Call to Worship, purple accents adorn…
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. God has certainly poured out blessings on us this year, bringing new faces, new lives, and new opportunities to Parish, along with this beautiful building where we are now able…
Tension slowly continues to build as we follow Paul on his journey back to Jerusalem where he will ultimately be arrested. Though his companions urge him to abandon the trip, Paul is determined: he insists “I am ready,” and they respond, “Let the will of the Lord be done” (Acts 20:13-14). I can imagine Paul…