Concord United Sermons

Christmas Future: Choosing Life | Rev. Brooke Hartman

The shepherds proclaimed the good news told to them by the angels—that Jesus would be their Savior, even though He was only an infant. Mary treasured their words in her heart to guide her in the future. When Scrooge sees Christmas future, he witnesses grief for the Cratchit family and his own lonely death if he doesn’t change his ways. Thankfully, Scrooge changes his ways, and his future turns out far better than he could have ever imagined. When we choose to follow Christ, we open ourselves to the blessings of the future God has in store for us rather than the devastation of a selfish life spent living for our own momentary pleasure.

Scripture - Luke 2:8–20

Christmas Future: Choosing Life | Rev. Wil Cantrell

The shepherds proclaimed the good news told to them by the angels—that Jesus would be their Savior, even though He was only an infant. Mary treasured their words in her heart to guide her in the future. When Scrooge sees Christmas future, he witnesses grief for the Cratchit family and his own lonely death if he doesn’t change his ways. Thankfully, Scrooge changes his ways, and his future turns out far better than he could have ever imagined. When we choose to follow Christ, we open ourselves to the blessings of the future God has in store for us rather than the devastation of a selfish life spent living for our own momentary pleasure.

Scripture - Luke 2:8–20

Christmas Present: Joy to the World | Rev. Wil Cantrell

With his engagement and plan for his life quickly collapsing due to Mary’s pregnancy—which he interpreted as infidelity—Joseph hears from God that Mary’s pregnancy is not the end of his family but the beginning of a new work of God to invite all of humanity into His family. When Scrooge views Christmas present, he sees the Cratchit family's struggles with poverty and the joy they experience in the midst of those struggles thanks to their faith. In our lives, we can choose to ruminate on our struggles (which often is a path straight to depression and despair) or we can find strength and joy in the midst of our struggles through faith.

Scripture - Matthew 1:18–25

Christmas Present: Joy to the World | Rev. Brooke Hartman

With his engagement and plan for his life quickly collapsing due to Mary’s pregnancy—which he interpreted as infidelity—Joseph hears from God that Mary’s pregnancy is not the end of his family but the beginning of a new work of God to invite all of humanity into His family. When Scrooge views Christmas present, he sees the Cratchit family's struggles with poverty and the joy they experience in the midst of those struggles thanks to their faith. In our lives, we can choose to ruminate on our struggles (which often is a path straight to depression and despair) or we can find strength and joy in the midst of our struggles through faith.

Scripture - Matthew 1:18–25

Christmas Past: Wise Men & a Wise Woman | Rev. Wil Cantrell

After Mary's encounter with Gabriel and visit with Elizabeth, she sings a song remembering what God has done for her. In the story of the wise men, we see how God saved the Holy Family from Herod so Jesus could save the world from sin. In Scrooge's story, he remembers the joy and warmth of his early years, as well as how—rather than turning to God when life was hard—he allowed life’s struggles to turn him into a bitter and selfish person. It’s important for us to remember how God has already saved and protected us in our past, so that we can heal from the wounds life has dealt us (including our self-inflicted wounds) and live out God's plan for our present and future.

Scripture - Luke 1:46–56; Matthew 2:1–14

Christmas Past: Wise Men & a Wise Woman | Rev. Brooke Hartman

After Mary's encounter with Gabriel and visit with Elizabeth, she sings a song remembering what God has done for her. In the story of the wise men, we see how God saved the Holy Family from Herod so Jesus could save the world from sin. In Scrooge's story, he remembers the joy and warmth of his early years, as well as how—rather than turning to God when life was hard—he allowed life’s struggles to turn him into a bitter and selfish person. It’s important for us to remember how God has already saved and protected us in our past, so that we can heal from the wounds life has dealt us (including our self-inflicted wounds) and live out God's plan for our present and future.

Scripture - Luke 1:46–56; Matthew 2:1–14

Bah Humbug: Remembering Life Before Christ | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Isaiah prophesied a Messiah hundreds of years before the coming of Christ. Yet the hope for a Messiah endured through the centuries, and when Jesus came, He transformed the world and human society to an almost unimaginable degree. To understand Christmas, it is important for us to remember how different our world was before Jesus came into it—and how different our lives were before Jesus transformed them. In the character of Scrooge, we remember both the stingy Scrooge and the redeemed, generous Scrooge. If we forget how God has redeemed us (and our world), we will be tempted to base our lives on our own abilities rather than on God's presence and power.

Scripture - Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7

Bah Humbug: Remembering Life Before Christ | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Isaiah prophesied a Messiah hundreds of years before the coming of Christ. Yet the hope for a Messiah endured through the centuries, and when Jesus came, He transformed the world and human society to an almost unimaginable degree. To understand Christmas, it is important for us to remember how different our world was before Jesus came into it—and how different our lives were before Jesus transformed them. In the character of Scrooge, we remember both the stingy Scrooge and the redeemed, generous Scrooge. If we forget how God has redeemed us (and our world), we will be tempted to base our lives on our own abilities rather than on God's presence and power.

Scripture - Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7

160th Year Celebration at Concord UMC | Rev. Bill Kilday

Rev. Bill Kilday

Scripture - John 1:1-5 RSV

Passionately Faithful | Rev. Mike Stallings

Peter was instrumental in leading the early church.  His words preached at Pentecost gave meaning to what was transpiring.  His faithfulness in engaging with Cornelius, a Gentile, was a pivotal moment in church history, no longer a church of us, but of us and them.  Peter’s maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ is evident through scripture and is an example for us.  Peter is obedient and prayerful. 

We are called beyond what seems possible to share Christ, serve others, and grow in faith.  We, too, have a role in the larger story of God’s grace and love to those we know and those we do not.  We are called to go beyond our boundaries to declare the truth of Jesus Christ. 

Scripture - Acts 2:37-41; Acts 10