Advent 2024 Sunday Sermon Series: “The Promised Arrival – Christ Foreshadowed by the Prophets”

This Advent series will explore how four minor prophets—Hosea, Jonah, Micah, and Zechariah—point to the first coming of Christ and foreshadow His promised return. Each week will focus on a different prophet’s message of hope, judgment, and the promise of restoration, emphasizing that Advent celebrates both the fulfillment of promises in Christ’s birth and the anticipation of His return.

Week 1: Hosea – God’s Faithful Love

Theme: God’s relentless love for His people and His willingness to redeem them, despite their unfaithfulness, points to Jesus as the ultimate expression of this love.

Reading from Hosea: Hosea 11:1-4, 8-11 – God’s love for Israel as His child, calling them back even after they stray.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-15 – The flight to Egypt, fulfilling “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Message: Hosea’s prophecy highlights God’s steadfast love for His people despite their unfaithfulness. Jesus, the faithful Son, fulfills this prophecy as He, too, is called out of Egypt to bring salvation to His people. In Christ, God’s faithful love breaks through humanity’s unfaithfulness. As we begin Advent, we look back at God’s redeeming love and look forward to His return when His love will fully restore His creation.

Week 2: Jonah – The Compassion of God for All Nations

Theme: God’s compassion extends beyond Israel to all nations, foreshadowing Jesus’ mission to redeem all people.

Reading from Jonah: Jonah 3:1-10 – Jonah’s message of repentance to Nineveh, revealing God’s mercy for those who turn back to Him.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:25-32 – Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.”

Message: Jonah’s mission to Nineveh shows God’s mercy reaching beyond Israel, a foreshadowing of Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to all nations. In Advent, we celebrate the arrival of the promised Savior, who extends God’s compassion to all. We also look forward to the day when people from every nation will worship Christ at His return.

Week 3: Micah – The Birth of the Promised Shepherd

Theme: God’s promise of a ruler from Bethlehem who will shepherd His people, fulfilled in Jesus’ birth.

Reading from Micah: Micah 5:2-5 – The prophecy of a ruler from Bethlehem who will shepherd and bring peace to God’s people.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-6 – The visit of the wise men who search for the ruler born in Bethlehem, as foretold by Micah.

Message: Micah prophesied that a shepherd-king would arise from Bethlehem to care for and protect His people. Jesus fulfills this prophecy as the humble shepherd-king who brings peace and salvation. This Advent, we celebrate Christ’s arrival in Bethlehem and anticipate the day when He will return to reign as our eternal Shepherd and King.

Week 4: Zechariah – The Arrival of the Righteous King

Theme: Zechariah’s vision of a righteous king who will enter Jerusalem, pointing to Jesus’ triumphal entry and His promised return as King.

Reading from Zechariah: Zechariah 9:9-10 – The prophecy of a humble king entering Jerusalem on a donkey, bringing peace to the nations.
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:68-79 (The Benedictus) – Zechariah’s prophecy of the Messiah’s mission to bring salvation and peace.

Message: Zechariah foretells a king who will come in humility, bringing peace and salvation. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem fulfilled this prophecy, and His return will bring ultimate peace. During Advent, we reflect on Christ’s humility in His first coming and His promise to return as King to bring peace and restoration to all creation.

Christmas Eve: The Birth of Christ – God with Us

Theme: The culmination of God’s promises and the fulfillment of the prophets’ words in the birth of Jesus.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 – The prophecy of a child born who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-20 – The Christmas story, celebrating the arrival of Christ, the Light of the World.

Message: On Christmas Eve, we celebrate the fulfillment of all the prophets’ promises in the birth of Jesus, the Light that has come into our darkness. He is the ultimate expression of God’s love, compassion, guidance, and kingship. As we rejoice in His first Advent, we hold fast to the promise that He will come again to bring eternal light and peace to all creation.

This series invites the congregation to see the continuity of God’s promises through the prophets and the fulfillment in Christ’s first coming, while stirring anticipation for His return. Each message will illuminate the season of Advent as one of both reflection on past fulfillment and hope for future glory.

Advent Wednesday Series: “Traditions of Christmas – Preparing Our Hearts for Christ”

Dec 4: The Advent Wreath – Hope in the Darkness

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-5
Theme: The Advent Wreath and its candles represent our hope in Christ as the Light of the World, shining into our darkness. Each candle brings us closer to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, a growing light that reminds us of the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Message: The Advent wreath’s light reminds us that Christ is the true Light who dispels the darkness of sin and death. As each candle is lit, we remember that God’s promises grow brighter until they are fulfilled in Jesus.
Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
- A classic Advent hymn, reminding us of Israel’s longing for the Messiah and our own hope for Christ’s coming.

Dec 11: Christmas Trees – From Creation to the Cross

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-6
Gospel Reading: John 15:1-11
Theme: The Christmas tree reminds us of Jesus as the “Branch” prophesied in the Old Testament, rooted in God’s promises and bringing life to His people. The tree also points us forward to the cross, where He would bear the weight of our sins.
Message: The evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life, which we have through Jesus, the Righteous Branch. Just as a tree remains alive and green, Jesus gives us unending life and joy.
Hymn: “O Christmas Tree” or “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
- Reflecting on the beauty and evergreen nature of the tree as a symbol of life and hope in Jesus, who never fades.

Dec 18: Nativity Scenes – God’s Gift of Jesus

Old Testament Reading: Micah 5:2-5
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-7
Theme: Nativity scenes remind us of the humble setting of Jesus’ birth and the miracle of God coming to dwell among us. The simplicity of the manger shows that God’s gift to us didn’t come in wealth or splendor but in humility and love.
Message: Just as the shepherds and wise men came to see Jesus in the manger, we too are invited to draw near and worship. Nativity scenes remind us that Christ came into our world as one of us and for us.
Hymn: “Away in a Manger”
- This beloved hymn echoes the humility of Jesus’ birth and invites us to embrace the wonder of God with us in the manger.

Winter and Lenten Sermon Series 2025: “The Life of Jesus – His Ministry and Mission”

This series follows the life and ministry of Jesus, from His baptism through His miracles, teachings, prayers, and parables, leading up to His Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. Each week focuses on different aspects of Jesus’ ministry and character, drawing us closer to understanding who He is, what He accomplished, and what that means for us today.

1/12/25 – Jesus’ Baptism
Key Texts: Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-4
Theme: Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry, revealing His identity as God’s Son and His solidarity with us. In His baptism, we see God’s affirmation and the beginning of His mission to bring light to the nations.
Message: Just as Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, our own baptism connects us to Him and His promises, marking us as beloved children of God.

1/19/25 – Jesus Tempted
Key Texts: Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 4:15-16
Theme: Jesus faces temptation in the wilderness, showing His faithfulness and obedience to God where humanity has often fallen short.
Message: Jesus’ victory over temptation assures us of His power to overcome sin on our behalf, and He strengthens us to face our own temptations with hope and reliance on Him.

1/26/25 – Jesus Calls
Key Texts: Matthew 4:18-22, John 1:35-51
Theme: Jesus begins calling His disciples, inviting them to follow Him and join in His mission.
Message: Jesus calls ordinary people to be His followers and co-workers. As He called His first disciples, so He calls us to leave behind what entangles us and follow Him.

2/2/25 – Jesus’ Miracles
Key Texts: John 2:1-11, Mark 1:40-45
Theme: Jesus’ miracles reveal His compassion and power, demonstrating the in-breaking of God’s kingdom.
Message: Miracles point to who Jesus is—the compassionate, powerful Son of God—and invite us to trust in His power to transform our lives and meet our deepest needs.

2/9/25 – Jesus Preaches
Key Texts: Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 4:16-21
Theme: Jesus proclaims the Good News, declaring the blessings of God’s kingdom and calling people to a life of faith and justice.
Message: Jesus’ teachings reveal God’s upside-down kingdom, where the poor are blessed and the meek inherit the earth. His words challenge and comfort, calling us to live as people of the kingdom.

2/16/25 – Jesus Prays
Key Texts: Luke 11:1-13, John 17:1-26
Theme: Jesus often retreats to pray, showing His close relationship with the Father and modeling the importance of prayer in the life of a believer.
Message: Jesus’ prayer life teaches us dependence on God and offers us a glimpse into His heart for His people. Through prayer, we too can draw close to God, sharing our lives and aligning our will with His.

2/23/25 – Jesus Heals
Key Texts: Mark 5:24-34, Matthew 9:1-8
Theme: Jesus heals the sick and the broken, showing His authority over sickness and sin.
Message: Jesus’ healings are signs of His kingdom and reminders that He cares deeply about our physical and spiritual well-being. In His healing work, we see His compassion and His power to restore all things.

3/2/25 – Jesus Sows
Key Texts: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Theme: Jesus teaches in parables, describing the kingdom of God as a sower scattering seed.
Message: Jesus’ parables call us to be receptive to His Word and show us that the kingdom grows in ways we often don’t expect. The seeds of faith, though small, yield great fruit when cultivated in a willing heart.

3/5/25 (Ash Wednesday) – Jesus Cleanses
Key Texts: John 2:13-22, Psalm 51
Theme: Jesus cleanses the temple, symbolizing the need for repentance and purity as we come before God.
Message: As we enter Lent, we’re reminded of our need for God’s cleansing. Jesus came to cleanse not just the temple but our very hearts, preparing us to be His holy dwelling place.

3/9/25 – Jesus Feeds
Key Texts: John 6:1-14, Matthew 6:25-34
Theme: Jesus feeds the 5,000, showing His provision and care for physical and spiritual needs.
Message: Jesus provides for us daily, and His provision extends beyond physical sustenance to the Bread of Life. In trusting Him, we find the true nourishment our souls need.

3/12/25 (Wednesday Lent) – Jesus Creates
Key Texts: John 9:1-12, Genesis 1:1-5
Theme: Jesus heals the man born blind, restoring sight and revealing His creative power.
Message: Jesus is the Creator who brings light to our darkness. His miracles remind us that God is continually at work, bringing about new creation in us.

3/16/25 – Jesus Forgives
Key Texts: Luke 7:36-50, Mark 2:1-12
Theme: Jesus offers forgiveness, lifting burdens and freeing us from guilt.
Message: Jesus’ authority to forgive sets us free from sin and guilt, inviting us into a life transformed by grace and empowering us to forgive others.

3/19/25 (Wednesday Lent) – Jesus Comforts
Key Texts: John 11:1-44, Isaiah 61:1-3
Theme: Jesus weeps with those who mourn and brings comfort to the brokenhearted.
Message: Jesus is with us in our grief, offering comfort and hope. He brings new life, even from the ashes of sorrow, as we await His ultimate renewal.

3/23/25 – Jesus Calms
Key Texts: Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 107:23-32
Theme: Jesus calms the storm, revealing His power over chaos and fear.
Message: Jesus speaks peace to our lives, calming the storms within us and around us. His presence offers us a calm center in a turbulent world.

3/26/25 (Wednesday Lent) – Jesus Cares
Key Texts: Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 11:28-30
Theme: Jesus cares for the least and invites all who are weary to find rest in Him.
Message: Jesus’ care extends to all, especially those who are weary or burdened. In Him, we find gentle rest and a love that never fails.

3/30/25 – Jesus Seeks
Key Texts: Luke 19:1-10, Ezekiel 34:11-16
Theme: Jesus seeks the lost, extending grace to those who are far from God.
Message: Jesus actively seeks us out, even when we are lost. His grace finds us where we are and leads us into His embrace.

4/6/25 – Jesus Wept
Key Texts: John 11:32-36, Psalm 56:8
Theme: Jesus’ compassion for the grieving shows His deep empathy for human suffering.
Message: Jesus enters our sorrows, sharing in our pain and offering us hope beyond it. He weeps with us and promises that one day, all tears will be wiped away.

4/13/25 – Jesus Enters (Palm Sunday)
Key Texts: Matthew 21:1-11, Zechariah 9:9
Theme: Jesus enters Jerusalem as the humble King, fulfilling prophecy and beginning His journey to the cross.
Message: Jesus’ entry as King calls us to receive Him with joy and humility. He is the Messiah who came to save us by laying down His life.

4/18/25 (Good Friday) – Jesus Dies
Key Texts: John 19:16-30, Isaiah 53:1-12
Theme: Jesus’ death on the cross reveals the depth of His love and the power of His sacrifice.
Message: Jesus’ death is the ultimate act of love, paying the price for our sins and reconciling us to God. His sacrifice opens the way to new life.

4/20/25 (Easter Sunday) – Jesus Lives
Key Texts: Matthew 28:1-10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26
Theme: Jesus’ resurrection is the victory over sin, death, and the grave, promising eternal life to all who believe.
Message: Jesus’ resurrection is our ultimate hope, showing that death is not the end. In Him, we have life and the promise of eternal joy in God’s presence.