Advent Peace 4, Mercy leads to Peace

 Advent 4, 2023

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,

…to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  Zechariah (Luke 1:79)

As we wrap up our Advent sermon series on peace, we give the last words to Zechariah, as a he foretells the work of Christ: “To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

These are lovely words, but how do we get there?  How do we break out of cycles of hatred, resentment and violence that lead to constant retribution?  Zechariah points the way by indicating that the God’s mercy has to start a new day before peace can begin.  A reflection of how we live with our hearts open to God’s interrupting mercy.

Note:  This last Sunday in Advent was to focus on “Peace in the World.”  While the sermon does touch on this, ultimately this is so out of our control, that the focus is on what we can contribute, namely, moving with God’s mercy that brings about a new day.

Advent Peace 3: Peace in our Communities

Advent 3 (December 10, 2023)

Sometimes it feels like the fabric of our society is coming apart.   When it comes to divisive issues, we often feel like we lack the common moral framework to find common ground.

How can we stitch society back together and find ways to live in peace with people with whom we disagree?  Pastor Rob explores two proposals

a)  to use politics to enforce our values

b)  to avoid the messiness of life altogether

While both of these may be attractive, Mary in her song of praise (Luke 1:46-55), warns us against seeking political domination as well as quietism.  What then is the way forward?  Pastor Rob reflects on the way of the cross as a way to stitch society back together.

This is the third in the Advent sermon series on peace.

Advent Peace, Part 2: Peace in our Families

 Advent 2 (December 3, 2023)

Mary and Elizabeth are the first two sisters in Christ!  (I love the painting.  I have used it before as a web image, but its just so good!)

It seems that Mary’s announcement of her pregnancy was not received well among her close family; so instead she travels far away to visit her kin, Elizabeth.  They embrace, share their story, and become sisters.  Faith in Christ allows us to build such deep friendships with people — not of genetics, but of a common story.  (To put it more bluntly: friendships not of human blood and contracts, but of Jesus’ blood in the new covenant.)

A reflection on peace in our families, which often seems so elusive.  God seems to employ a two strong strategy – create new friends in faith that become our brothers and sisters in Christ; ultimately, in the end, heal the wounds in our family.

Advent Peace, Part 1: Peace in our hearts

 

Advent 1 (Sunday, Nov 26)

It turns out that changing gears on a bike is simpler than changing gears in life.

But changing gears we must, for life is filled with situations that demand that we recalibrate.  These forced recalibrations often rob us of our inner peace.  This season of Advent we will reflect on peace and Christ as our peace, beginning with peace in our hearts.

The angel’s visit to Zechariah (Luke 2:5-20), foretelling both the birth of John (  the Baptist) but also Jesus, reveals about how God works peace in us amid seasons of recalibration.  In this story, and in our lives, God invites us into silent reflection, not simply on our sins, but on God’s faithfulness, power and mercy.

The Gospel According to Barbie (the Movie)

Christ the King Sunday (November 19, 2022)

In Matthew 25, Jesus separates sheep and goats (vs 31-46); the sheep, who are righteous, go to eternal life; the goats go to damnation.  Within the passage, Jesus tells the righteous that what they did “to the least of these” they did to him.  The passage serves as prod to help our neighbor in need; it also unnerves us with the final sense of judgment.

Is there anything but law and judgment here? Well, actually, there is plenty of good news!

To get at why this passage contains so much good news, Pastor Rob begins with a reflection on this year’s Barbie move and the scene in which Barbie cries for the first time.  There is heartache in this world; there is also beauty.   Where is Jesus in the midst of this and what is Jesus doing about the heartache, both in the present and in the ultimate?

I found this image on “Emily Writes”‘ blog about the movie.

What Would Jesus Dare

 

Sunday, November 12

Of the many fashion trends that come back into style, recently “WWJD” bracelets are fashionable again.  Given to teens by parents and youth workers, the hope is that teems will remember to refrain from certain activities by recalling to mind the teachings of Jesus.  But maybe we should embrace the youthful willingness to try new things, in addition to teaching them to avoid temptation. 

Living in faith, as it turns out, means taking risks amid life’s uncertainties.  In that light, Pastor Rob suggests changing “WWJD” from “What Would Jesus Do?” to “What Would Jesus Dare?”

A reflection on the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), taking risks and God’s generosity.

Apokatastatis

 

November 5, 2023 (All Saints Sunday)

What food would you want to eat with a beloved person in your life who has died? We all have those foods and those memories with those dear to us who have joined the church eternal.

We tend to think about heaven as a place where our soul or spiritual substance goes.  It turns out though, this isn’t really what the Bible teaches.  Working with Revelation 7:9-17, Pastor Rob offers that what God intends is an “apokatastatis”, that is, a restoration and renewal of all things in Jesus Christ.

This restoration includes our bodies!  Which means, of course, we can dream of eating our favorite cookies with our beloved ones.