In the Old Testament God promised that He would send His Son as a sacrifice for every sin. He gave the twelve tribes
of Israel a reminder that He would fulfill His covenant. This morning the writer of Hebrews reminds us that God has
fulfilled His covenant. We join our voices with the whole company of heaven,…
In this week’s sermon text, the author of Hebrews discusses the new covenant inaugurated by Christ, a covenant
marked by the Lord’s mercy (vs. 12) and intimacy with His people (vs. 11). The elements chosen for this morning’s
service reflect these themes as well. The various Old Testament Scriptures that we read in the service look forward…
The hymns we sing this week all include some form of “temple” or “priestly” imagery, picking up on many of the
themes in this week’s passage from Hebrews. The opening and closing hymns of the morning, Glorious Things Of Thee
Are Spoken and Within Your Temple, Lord—Psalm 48, both celebrate “Zion” as a place where God dwells:…
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” (John
1:9) and…
December 28 (or in our case, the Sunday closest to it) has traditionally marked the observance of Childermas. Also called
the Feast of the Holy Innocents, this is a day of remembrance and mourning for the children of Bethlehem murdered by
the order of King Herod. Along with Stephen, whose feast day (December 26) is also observed…
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken
to us by His Son… —Hebrews 1:1-2a
This final morning of Advent includes the same Scripture reading that concluded the choral service on the first Sunday
of Advent: the opening of Hebrews 1.…
During Advent, we try to group the seasonal hymns around a central theme which changes from week to week. The
past two Sundays have presented groups of hymns celebrating Jesus as the coming King and taking on human form as
a baby. This morning, the hymns will focus on the annunciation of Jesus’ birth by angels. The…
This morning we read Psalm 22, and at a first glance, it does not seem to fit well with the cheery, heartwarming tones
of Advent to which we are accustomed. Yet somehow this nativity picture and the solemn tones of Psalm 22 fit hand in
hand. This infant, whose arrival we celebrate, came to fulfill the promise…
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 bulletin and the pulpit, and a time of silent prayer followed by a…
I love being a Christian. Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas are such joyful times in otherwise dreary days. In the
midst of barren trees, grey skies, and soggy fields, we make time to remember the unchanging God who gives us every
good and perfect gift. I was reminded about how many good gifts our nation has been given…