Those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. —Hebrews 9:15b The elements in this morning’s service all point to one conclusion, a conclusion both terrible and comforting: Jesus had to die. We’ll read that the new covenant was “inaugurated with blood” (Hebrews…
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, from old Levitical…
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 to this new…
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: “go round the…
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 “a light…
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 during the week…
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. This passage…
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 three verses of…
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 God made with…
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 sung response where…