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Magi Visit

12/28/2014

December 28, 2014
Matthew 2:1-12: The Magi visit the infant Jesus

Reflection on the Text
People from outside the culture and geography of Jesus were drawn to him through astrology; the study of the stars. Their craft didn’t provide concrete answers. Instead, it set them on a quest. They set off in search of a meaning for the bright star. Their search sent them to Jesus. All kinds of people find Jesus through all kinds of ways.

Jesus as Immanuel: 4th Sunday of Advent

12/22/2014

Jesus as Immanuel
Matthew 1:18-25: Announcement of Jesus’ birth to Joseph; Jesus will be Immanuel

·         Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth follows a lengthy genealogy that names Jesus as an ancestor of Abraham. From the beginning, Matthew identifies Jesus as a fulfillment of God’s promises to the people of Israel. Matthew quotes Hebrew scripture often, regularly placing Jesus in the context of Jewish history.

·         Matthew takes Joseph’s perspective on the conception, announcement, and birth of Jesus, pointing out the challenging position Joseph was put into by this unplanned and untimely birth.

·         Mary and Joseph needed each other. Joseph needed Mary to carry Jesus. Mary needed Joseph to offer Jesus status and education. God needed humanity to care for each other in order for God’s plan to work.

Second Sunday of Advent

12/8/2014

Esther
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Esther 4:1-17--For such a time as this, Esther was made queen.
Matthew 5:13-16 -- Salt and light

God’s timing is always the right timing. God placed Esther in the kingdom at just the time that was necessary to save the Jews from Haman. We often need others to see what we cannot see for ourselves. Mordecai could see Esther’s role in God’s plan for the Jews’ salvation, where she could not.

First Sunday of Advent

12/1/2014

Faith as a Way of Life
November 30, 2014, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:2-4; 3:17-29

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:2-4; 3:17-19 --The prophet, grieved by injustice/suffering, watches for God’s reply. Faith is a way of life, not an answer.
Matthew 26:36-38 -- In Gethsemane Jesus is grieved and asks disciples to watch with him

Recorded Worship

Magi Visit

Jesus as Immanuel: 4th Sunday of Advent

Second Sunday of Advent

First Sunday of Advent

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