Concord United Sermons

A Place of Saving – The Manger | Rev. Brooke Hartman

We remain at the manger, the place of Jesus’ birth.  For here is where we find our Savior.  In the midst of what seems like humble beginnings is the story of our God who transforms and saves.  We kneel at the manger as people knowing we cannot save ourselves despite our best efforts, seeking for more than this world can give, and finding the miracle that salvation comes through the birth of the baby born in simple beginnings, yet is evidence of the extravagance of our God’s love for us.  Our God has come to be with us, who will show the depths of his love for us through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  We come to the place of saving. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-20

A Place of Humility - Bethlehem | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Predictably we find ourselves in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.  We find in Bethlehem a place of humility.  Jesus was not born in a palace but a manger.  The witnesses of Jesus’ birth were not powerful rulers but shepherds going about their daily tasks.  An event that we have made into extravagant was really a place of humble beginnings.  We journey to Bethlehem to acknowledge the importance of Jesus’ lineage within the line of King David, as well as the power of our Savior born, in a place of humble beginnings witnessed by everyday folks - the place of humility. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-20

A Place of Humility - Bethlehem | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Predictably we find ourselves in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.  We find in Bethlehem a place of humility.  Jesus was not born in a palace but a manger.  The witnesses of Jesus’ birth were not powerful rulers but shepherds going about their daily tasks.  An event that we have made into extravagant was really a place of humble beginnings.  We journey to Bethlehem to acknowledge the importance of Jesus’ lineage within the line of King David, as well as the power of our Savior born, in a place of humble beginnings witnessed by everyday folks - the place of humility. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-20

A Place of Simplicity - Nazareth | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Our next stop is Nazareth.  At the time of Jesus’ birth, Nazareth was place of little significance and the home of a most unassuming mother to birth Jesus.  Mary herself almost seems insignificant until God transforms her story and ours as well.  Within simplicity, we find the story of our God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ, an incarnational act.  The simplicity of Nazareth and Mary show us how there is significance in where we are and who we are. 

Scripture - Luke 1:26-38, 46-50

A Place of Simplicity - Nazareth | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Our next stop is Nazareth.  At the time of Jesus’ birth, Nazareth was place of little significance and the home of a most unassuming mother to birth Jesus.  Mary herself almost seems insignificant until God transforms her story and ours as well.  Within simplicity, we find the story of our God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ, an incarnational act.  The simplicity of Nazareth and Mary show us how there is significance in where we are and who we are. 

Scripture - Luke 1:26-38, 46-50

A Place of Waiting - Jerusalem | Rev. Brooke Hartman

We do not like to wait.  We find ways to bypass traffic.  We buy our way to the lightening lanes.  We complain about taking longer to get where we want to go.  Waiting is a crucial part of Advent and of God’s people.  Jerusalem, specifically the Temple, is where we find the opportunity of waiting through Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Waiting is actually a spiritual practice that provides an opportunity to receive rather than get.  So, we wait. 

Scripture - Luke 1:5-17

A Place of Waiting - Jerusalem | Rev. Wil Cantrell

We do not like to wait.  We find ways to bypass traffic.  We buy our way to the lightening lanes.  We complain about taking longer to get where we want to go.  Waiting is a crucial part of Advent and of God’s people.  Jerusalem, specifically the Temple, is where we find the opportunity of waiting through Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Waiting is actually a spiritual practice that provides an opportunity to receive rather than get.  So, we wait. 

Scripture - Luke 1:5-17

A Place of Longing - Rome | Rev. Wil Cantrell

We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth.  The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth.  Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire.  The people longed for more.  As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives.  Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25

A Place of Longing - Rome | Rev. Brooke Hartman

We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth.  The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth.  Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire.  The people longed for more.  As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives.  Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25

Love Never Ends | Rev. Mike Stallings

As we conclude our series on loving one another, we do not conclude loving one another.  Loving one another is a way of being through encouraging, serving, praying, honoring, and forgiving.  Peter writes an effective summary of loving one another in his words found in 1 Peter 4:8-11.  We are called to love deeply, offer hospitality, serve others, and above all things give God praise.  As we enter the holiday season, may we seek ways to love one another that brings glory and honor to God.  May we be known by our love of one another.    

Scripture - 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a