Luke's lovely Nativity story is done. Now, Matthew's dark story of Herod, the Magi, and the holy family made refugees stands in juxtaposition. The mystery of the Promised One from God takes us to another level this week.
The incarnation is about the coming Kingdom of God being advanced by the Promised One. It is a political move and the worldly powers-that-be - in this case, Herod - are shaken. The challenging move by God is met as all challenges to power are met, with brute force, violence, and even death. In the mirror of the slaughter of the innocents are reflections ahead to how Jesus will become the innocent one who dies.
In Isaiah, God laments the betrayal of his faithless people and the suffering they endured. In their pain, God's people come to ask about the faithful leaders that make up their story of liberation and new life - 'where is he who brought us through the sea?' and 'where is he who set the holy Spirit among them?' God's promise still flickers, encouraging them forward.
God's salvation work continues. Will we be partners in the work of the Kingdom? View the sermon video and see where you may find yourself.
The incarnation is about the coming Kingdom of God being advanced by the Promised One. It is a political move and the worldly powers-that-be - in this case, Herod - are shaken. The challenging move by God is met as all challenges to power are met, with brute force, violence, and even death. In the mirror of the slaughter of the innocents are reflections ahead to how Jesus will become the innocent one who dies.
In Isaiah, God laments the betrayal of his faithless people and the suffering they endured. In their pain, God's people come to ask about the faithful leaders that make up their story of liberation and new life - 'where is he who brought us through the sea?' and 'where is he who set the holy Spirit among them?' God's promise still flickers, encouraging them forward.
God's salvation work continues. Will we be partners in the work of the Kingdom? View the sermon video and see where you may find yourself.
| 12-29-19-sermon.mp3 |
| 12-29-19-ff-answers.pdf |
| 12-29-19-theotherchristmasstory.pdf |