Concord United Sermons

Unlikely Witnesses | Rev. Wil Cantrell

The Shepherds often have a place in the story of Jesus’ birth yet there is more to their story too.  The shepherds are unlikely witnesses to the birth of the king.  They are not the elite, in fact, far from it.  They were the ones to whom the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus and were summoned to go to see the babe born in the manger.  Who are the unlikely witnesses that we overlook in our lives?  How can we be unlikely witnesses of the Savior born?

Scripture - Luke 2:8-20

Unlikely Witnesses | Rev. Brooke Hartman

The Shepherds often have a place in the story of Jesus’ birth yet there is more to their story too.  The shepherds are unlikely witnesses to the birth of the king.  They are not the elite, in fact, far from it.  They were the ones to whom the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus and were summoned to go to see the babe born in the manger.  Who are the unlikely witnesses that we overlook in our lives?  How can we be unlikely witnesses of the Savior born?

Scripture - Luke 2:8-20

Unlikely Power | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Herod is not a likely character focus of Advent, yet he plays a role in the story and also brings an awareness to how we might be connected to Herod.  Herod’s fear and desire for power create multiple dynamics for the birth story of Jesus.  We might be able to view Herod with disgust, yet when we consider more deeply, we are more like Herod than different from him.  Power and prestige pull us too.  It might be subtle as opposed to deadly, yet it keeps us from experiencing life fully. The unlikely power of Advent is that despite the power of Herod, the power of Jesus is far more. 

Scripture - Matthew 2:13-18

Unlikely Power | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Herod is not a likely character focus of Advent, yet he plays a role in the story and also brings an awareness to how we might be connected to Herod.  Herod’s fear and desire for power create multiple dynamics for the birth story of Jesus.  We might be able to view Herod with disgust, yet when we consider more deeply, we are more like Herod than different from him.  Power and prestige pull us too.  It might be subtle as opposed to deadly, yet it keeps us from experiencing life fully. The unlikely power of Advent is that despite the power of Herod, the power of Jesus is far more. 

Scripture - Matthew 2:13-18

Unlikely Friends | Rev. Brooke Hartman

The Magi (Wise Men) are familiar to the telling of the birth of Jesus.  We focus on the gifts that they bring to Jesus, yet their story is much more than the gifts.  The Magi were from east of the Holy Land, astrologers possibly.  They find themselves seeking the king of the Jews too.  Just as they are unlikely attenders to the birth of Jesus, we too must be open to unlikely friends.      

Scripture - Matthew 2:1-12

 

Unlikely Friends | Rev. Wil Cantrell

The Magi (Wise Men) are familiar to the telling of the birth of Jesus.  We focus on the gifts that they bring to Jesus, yet their story is much more than the gifts.  The Magi were from east of the Holy Land, astrologers possibly.  They find themselves seeking the king of the Jews too.  Just as they are unlikely attenders to the birth of Jesus, we too must be open to unlikely friends.      

Scripture - Matthew 2:1-12

Unlikely Hope | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Elizabeth and Zechariah’s unlikely story is a one familiar to us.  Elizabeth and Zechariah experienced infertility.  Their dream of having a child was unfulfilled.  We too have dreams that are unfulfilled, that leave gaps in our lives.  Zechariah shows up to his work as a priest one day to experience the most unlikely path open up as an angel appears to him in the Holy of Holies.  Elizabeth and Zechariah experience an unlikely hope.  We too have hope in the most unlikely ways. 

Scripture - Luke 1:11-25

Unlikely Hope | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Elizabeth and Zechariah’s unlikely story is a one familiar to us.  Elizabeth and Zechariah experienced infertility.  Their dream of having a child was unfulfilled.  We too have dreams that are unfulfilled, that leave gaps in our lives.  Zechariah shows up to his work as a priest one day to experience the most unlikely path open up as an angel appears to him in the Holy of Holies.  Elizabeth and Zechariah experience an unlikely hope.  We too have hope in the most unlikely ways. 

Scripture - Luke 1:11-25

Faith Like a Child | Rev. Larry Trotter

Jesus instructs us all to aspire to have faith like a child who exhibits humility and awe (Matt 18:1-5). This type of faith requires a deep dependence on God and a deep commitment to remove the obstacles that would prevent children from discovering faith (Matt 19:13-15). Removing the obstacles that prevent children from finding faith requires providing the physical space children need at church and providing space for children in our lives and our calendars. Intergenerational relationships are the most crucial element in the faith development of our children. In fact, intergenerational relationships are so important that Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me (Matt 18:5).” 

Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15 

Faith Like a Child | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Jesus instructs us all to aspire to have faith like a child who exhibits humility and awe (Matt 18:1-5). This type of faith requires a deep dependence on God and a deep commitment to remove the obstacles that would prevent children from discovering faith (Matt 19:13-15). Removing the obstacles that prevent children from finding faith requires providing the physical space children need at church and providing space for children in our lives and our calendars. Intergenerational relationships are the most crucial element in the faith development of our children. In fact, intergenerational relationships are so important that Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me (Matt 18:5).” 

Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15