Sermon podcast from the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 12-19-21 worship service - St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. Luke 1:39-45
Showing posts with label Luke 1:39-45. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke 1:39-45. Show all posts
12/24/2018
Moving
Sermon podcast from the 4th Sunday of Advent sermon at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. Luke 1:26-45. Drama throughout the story leading up to Jesus birth.
Video Sermon Preview
"Moving" podcast
Video Sermon Preview
"Moving" podcast
12/17/2012
Belittled
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country . . .
Mary, a pregnant, unwed teenager got out of Dodge – She fled far away from where people would know her – so that the scandal behind her could simmer down.
You don’t think there would be a scandal? Joseph was going to leave her before he heard from an angel. You don’t think there was talk?
“Mary? I’ve seen her sneaking around with Panthera – that Roman Soldier. They think nobody sees them, but I’ve seen them. I know what they’ve been doing. It’s no wonder she went to “visit her cousin!”
The story of Mary and Panthera isn’t one I made up. It’s been circulating since at least the second century – written down by one called Celsus. Celsus was not a fan of Christianity.
The next time you feel like gossiping or somehow communicating your displeasure with someone who may have, or may not have, but you think they have, violated your code of what is morally acceptable, just stop. Belittling someone in a "I know what she did" or "He should know better!" kind of way is unkind, not helpful, and sinful. Just refuse to participate in dismissing anyone as unimportant. It's been going on forever, it ruins people's lives, and it needs to stop.
Mary, a pregnant, unwed teenager got out of Dodge – She fled far away from where people would know her – so that the scandal behind her could simmer down.
You don’t think there would be a scandal? Joseph was going to leave her before he heard from an angel. You don’t think there was talk?
“Mary? I’ve seen her sneaking around with Panthera – that Roman Soldier. They think nobody sees them, but I’ve seen them. I know what they’ve been doing. It’s no wonder she went to “visit her cousin!”
The story of Mary and Panthera isn’t one I made up. It’s been circulating since at least the second century – written down by one called Celsus. Celsus was not a fan of Christianity.
The next time you feel like gossiping or somehow communicating your displeasure with someone who may have, or may not have, but you think they have, violated your code of what is morally acceptable, just stop. Belittling someone in a "I know what she did" or "He should know better!" kind of way is unkind, not helpful, and sinful. Just refuse to participate in dismissing anyone as unimportant. It's been going on forever, it ruins people's lives, and it needs to stop.
12/19/2009
Singing
This week's Bible study blog post for i.ucc (Diddley Magnificat) does make an appearance (near the end) but it is just a small part of this week's fun sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk.
"Singing" text
"Singing" podcast
"Singing" text
"Singing" podcast
12/14/2009
Diddley Magnificat
Here's this week's Bible study blog post for i.ucc:
I wrote this several years back as part of a Children’s Christmas program. It’s really fun to sing! Everyone grab a guitar, get your best ‘Bo Diddley’ rhythm going and let’s rock!
Oh! How I Praise the Lord! (Mary’s Song)
Word and music by Kirk Moore
Oh! How I praise the Lord (echo)
God’s the one to be adored (echo)
God is mighty – Holy one! (echo)
Great is all the Lord has done! (echo)
Such mercy here for all who fear (echo)
God’s the one I hold so dear! (echo)
Oh How I praise the Lord! (echo)
God’s the one to be adored (echo)
God’s the one to be adored (echo)
Oh! How I praise the Lord! (echo)
Oh! How I praise the Lord! (echo)
© 1998 Kirk Moore
I wrote this several years back as part of a Children’s Christmas program. It’s really fun to sing! Everyone grab a guitar, get your best ‘Bo Diddley’ rhythm going and let’s rock!
Oh! How I Praise the Lord! (Mary’s Song)
Word and music by Kirk Moore
Oh! How I praise the Lord (echo)
God’s the one to be adored (echo)
God is mighty – Holy one! (echo)
Great is all the Lord has done! (echo)
Such mercy here for all who fear (echo)
God’s the one I hold so dear! (echo)
Oh How I praise the Lord! (echo)
God’s the one to be adored (echo)
God’s the one to be adored (echo)
Oh! How I praise the Lord! (echo)
Oh! How I praise the Lord! (echo)
© 1998 Kirk Moore
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