-
“Arise, shine…”
Introduction This is the sermon I had planned to preach at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, as part of Vespers on the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. The service was cancelled due to another snowstorm. + + + Readings Isaiah 60:1–6 Psalm 72 (antiphon v. 11) Ephesians…
-
Adopted, Redeemed, and Sealed
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2–3, 2010, for the Second Sunday of Christmas. + + + Readings Jeremiah 31:7–14 or Sirach 24:1–12 Psalm 147:12–20 (antiphon v. 12) or Wisdom 10:51–21 (antiphon v. 20) Ephesians 1:3–14 John 1:[1–9] 10–18 + + +…
-
One More Year
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, for the New Year’s Eve Eucharist. + + + Readings Jeremiah 24:1–7 Psalm 102:24–28 1 Peter 1:22–25 Luke 13:6–9 + + + Prayer Father in heaven, grant us times of quiet thoughtfulness, that we may rest…
-
In Our Father’s House
Introduction This is the sermon I had planned to preach at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 26–27, 2009, for the First Sunday of Christmas. A blizzard forced cancellation of worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So the congregation will celebrate its Christmas services this weekend, leaving this sermon…
-
A Word for These Last Days
Introduction This is the sermon I had planned to preach at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, for Christmas Day. A blizzard forced cancellation of worship. So the congregation will celebrate its Christmas Day service on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. + + + Readings Isaiah 52:7–10 Psalm 98 (antiphon v.…
-
Pondering the Treasure
Introduction This is the sermon I had planned to preach at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, for Christmas Eve. A blizzard forced cancellation of worship. So the congregation will celebrate its Christmas Eve service on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009. + + + Readings Isaiah 9:2–7 Psalm 96 (antiphon v.…
-
“According to the Promise”
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19–20, 2009, the weekend of the Fourth Sunday of Advent. + + + Readings Micah 5:2–5a Psalm 80:1–7 (antiphon v.7) Hebrews 10:5–10 Luke 1:39–55 + + + Prayer As we hear and heed your Word, O…
-
Facing the Dawn
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. Readings Isaiah 12:1–6 Psalm 121 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 Luke 2:15–20, 33–35 Message One of the loneliest feelings is to be sad, when all around you, others are happy. And this week, as you have faced…
-
Gentle and at Peace
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12–13, 2009, the weekend of the Third Sunday of Advent. + + + Readings Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:1-6 (antiphon v. 6) Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 + + + Prayer As we hear and heed your Word,…
-
Burnt, Cleansed, Purified
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, 2009, the weekend of the Second Sunday of Advent. + + + Readings Malachi 3:1-4 or Baruch 5:1-9 Luke 1:68-79 (ant. 78) Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 + + + Prayer As we hear and heed…