The past few days have been full of seasonal celebrations in Exeter. We had our Christmas open house on Thursday night, which is always one of my favorite nights of the year. The live Nativity is going on out front, … Continue reading Something is Coming: Sermon for December 3, 2017
Every year about this time, I start to panic. I’d imagine that a lot of clergy would tell you the same thing. We are trying to finalize Christmas eve services, and get all the moving pieces to line up so … Continue reading Joy as Resistance: December 11, 2016
I’ve said before that I firmly believe that Christmas is the best time of the year for movies and TV specials. Everything from It’s a Wonderful Life to A Charlie Brown Christmas to Elf to the Grinch to A Christmas … Continue reading Christmas Movies and Advent Stories: December 4, 2016
A year ago right about this time I had breakfast with a friend of mine who grew up Jewish. We were talking about the coming holidays and she asked me about Advent. “You know,” she said, “I always thought Advent … Continue reading Preparing the Armor of Light: November 27, 2016
I firmly believe that Christmas is the best time of the year for movies and TV specials. Everything from It’s a Wonderful Life to A Charlie Brown Christmas to Elf to the Grinch to A Christmas Story and beyond. Most … Continue reading When Love Changes Everything (Even You): Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 2015
The third Sunday of Advent, like each of the Sundays in Advent, has a traditional theme. The first week we talked about hope, last week about peace, and this week we focus on joy. And as we get closer and … Continue reading Reclaiming Joy: Sermon for the Third Sunday of Advent, 2015
Luke 21:25-36 21:25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 21:26 People will faint from fear and foreboding … Continue reading Waiting for the End of the World (as we know it): Sermon for November 29, 2015
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 5:16 Rejoice always, 5:17 pray without ceasing, 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit. 5:20 Do not despise the words … Continue reading Unquenchable Joy: Sermon for December 14, 2014
Mark 1:1-8 1:1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 1:2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 1:3 … Continue reading Advent Stories: Sermon for December 7, 2014
Over the last few years I have written short daily devotionals for each day of Advent and Lent. I enjoyed doing it, but there were times when it felt a bit draining, particularly in the clergy obstacle course that is … Continue reading Advent Hope (Or, Why I Quit My PhD Program)
