December Sermons

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his ability. And immediately he took his journey. He who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. So also, he who had received two gained another two. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, hiding his master’s money. “After a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. He who had received five talents came and brought the other five talents, saying, Master, you entrusted to me five talents. Look, I have gained five talents more.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you a ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your master.’ “He who had received two talents also came and said, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you a ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your master.’ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow. So, I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ “His master answered, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You know that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not winnowed. Then you ought to have given my money to the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest. “‘So, take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents. To everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance. But from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. And throw the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The mission of our church is “We use our resources, tangible and intangible, to minimize human suffering and enhance human well-being. This is godliness to us.”

What have you cultivated this past year? How have you used your abilities? Consider areas where you have excelled or opportunities you may have missed.

Think about how you have managed your time, finances, and opportunities. Did you take risks investing in your development? In what areas were you faithful, and where could you have done more?

Reflect on any fears that may have held you back from maximizing your potential.

Based on your reflection, determine how you develop and use your talents more effectively, whether through personal projects, professional development, or community involvement.  

Surround yourself with people who encourage you to grow and use your talents. Consider networks that align with your interests and ambitions, developing collaboration and support.

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty...”

The mission of our church is “We use our resources, tangible and intangible, to minimize human suffering and enhance human well-being. This is godliness to us.”

The term Advent refers to a season of the church year during which the people of the Christian faith tradition prepare to celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ's first coming to earth.

Advocacy is defined as the public support for or recommendation of a particular cause, policy, or person. Advocacy is telling or demonstrating to improve the quality of life for others.

In her worship, she proclaims a religious revolution: that God has chosen a woman to be the means, way, and instrument through which God’s decisive disclosure to the world is released, and a young, unmarried mother at that.

In her worship, she proclaims a social revolution: that the proud, those who think themselves better than other people, will be brought down, and the humble, the despised, and the outcast will be seen as the proper recipients of God’s favor.

In her worship, she proclaims a political revolution: that the powerful will be defeated and the oppressed will be freed, given the fullness of life.

In her worship, she proclaims an economic revolution: that the hungry will be fed, and those who are rich now will feel what it is like to go short.

If we are celebrating Advent/Christmas authentically, we acknowledge God’s immense love for the marginalized.

If we are to celebrate Advent/Christmas authentically, we must refuse to adopt the strategies of abuse and indifference employed by the powerful and prestigious.

If we are to celebrate Advent/Christmas authentically, we commit to seeing God’s generosity and justice at work in our homes, communities, cultures, and nations.

If we are celebrating Advent/Christmas authentically, then our worship on Sunday should create a revolutionary perspective to use our “blessings”, tangible and intangible, to benefit others.   

Frederick Buechner writes: It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”

“It is easy to think Christmas, and it is easy to believe Christmas, but it is hard to act Christmas.” Anonymous