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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.…
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“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…
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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…
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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,…
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In Our Midst
Introduction The Congregation Council at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., where I am serving as interim pastor, opens its monthly meetings with devotions. These are the thoughts for the December 2009 meeting. The text from Isaiah is the Psalmody for the upcoming Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. Reading 1You will say in that…
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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…
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Commemoration of St. Francis Xavier
Introduction This is the homily I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, the Commemoration of St. Francis Xavier, when the Homestead Cluster gathered for the Eucharist. + + + Readings Isaiah 62:1-7 Psalm 48 Romans 10:11-17 Luke 24:44-53 + + + Message Sometimes the commemoration of a saint…
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Stand Up
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29, 2009, the weekend of the First Sunday of Advent. + + + Readings Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 + + + Prayer As we hear and heed your Word, O God,…
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Heaven’s Hospitality
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15, 2009, the weekend of the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost. The lessons reflect the theme of the holding the annual Thankoffering Service of the Women of the ELCA. + + + Readings Exodus 1:15-2:10 Psalm 138…
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Hear and Obey
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009. Readings Ezekiel 2:8-3:3 Psalm 119:105-112 1 John 1:1-4 Luke 11:28 Message On the day of his confirmation in the Christian faith, Bud selected the verse from Luke’s Gospel that we just heard: “But [Jesus] said,…