Tag Archives: Christmas

Sermons

Christmas 1 (Lk 2:33–40)

Immanuel Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO
Bethlehem Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO

INI + AMEN.

Today, the Seventh Day of Christmas, we’re given to ponder Simeon’s prophecy that deals with who this Child is and what He came to do. If his words bother us because it’s Christmas time, then we’ve misunderstood Christmas entirely. “Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against…that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Continue reading →

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Sermons

Christmas Day (Jn 1:1–14, 15–18)

Bethlehem Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO

INI + AMEN.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Some of the greatest Words ever written. No other religion has that. There’s no one like Him: Word…flesh…among us. Set up shop among us. Pitched His tent among us. Tabernacled among us. Walked and talked among us. But not just Word among us—Word one of us! As we joyously sang, “God is man, man to deliver, And the Son Now is one With our blood forever.” “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Continue reading →

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Sermons

Christmas Dawn (Lk 2:1–14, 15–20)

Immanuel Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO

INI + AMEN.

“It happened.” That’s how the Christmas story begins in the Gospel. “It happened.” It’s just so matter-of-fact and ordinary that most translations—like ours today—leave it out. Normally reporters don’t have to say, “It happened.” But when the event has been turned into a pretty little myth, a pretense for gift giving, for reindeer games, and an elf on the shelf, then it’s important to hear, “It happened.” Continue reading →

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Sermons

Christmas Eve (Lk 2:1–14, 15–20)

Immanuel Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO

Bethlehem Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO

INI + AMEN.

The story you’re hearing again tonight is also being heard in countless other churches. It’s got all the trappings of a good story, a great story. The complete story—beginning to end—is full of twists and turns, of darkness and sadness that speaks to our deepest longing, of light and joy that we think can’t possibly be true. It’s got flesh and blood characters. Characters who’d feel just like you and I would if we were in their shoes. Continue reading →

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Sermons

Circumcision and Name of Jesus (Lk 2:21)

December 31, 2015
Bethlehem Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO

January 1, 2016
Immanuel Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO

INI + AMEN.

All things are new. It’s time for a new beginning. The old is passing away. The new is here. The old year is dead and gone. Baby New Year isn’t lost, but has been born with a whole 366 days of new possibilities, new ways to make yourself into a better person or, at least, close to the person you’d like to be. The world knows how to set you up for these new opportunities. Well, the world wants YOU to set yourself up for these new opportunities. Look at yourself, judge yourself, think about where you fall short of your own expectations, and then come up with some resolutions of what you want to do to make yourself smarter (read more books), more attractive (join a gym), more loving (volunteer). Resolutions are always self-focused. But year in year out their’s the trumpet call for resolutions. It’s like a yearly game we play because—let’s be honest—no matter what the resolution is we’ll be over and done with it by the end of January, maybe a little longer if we really stick to it. Continue reading →

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