Christmas

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Gifts Accepted and Given

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Today’s reading from Isaiah speaks of rejoicing. The reading is taken from two consecutive chapters. If you don’t have the text in front of you, it’s hard for you to realize that, just from hearing the reading. In Chapter 61, verses 10 and 11, Isaiah rejoices in the Lord, for the Lord has clothed him with garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness, like a bridegroom decked with garlands or a bride adorned with jewels. A garden springs up, and praise springs up from the nations. The Word of God, Jesus, is like those gifts, as fine as jewels, as fine as a beautiful garden, and worthy of our praise and rejoicing. We can acknowledge with gratitude that we have been given a wonderful gift from God. End of Chapter 61.

Click “Read More” to read or listen to Deacon Nancy Crawford’s entire sermon.

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Where was Jesus born? Where is God incarnate?

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"Theologically, the creche tradition is a beautiful visual representation of Incarnation. Yes, God became flesh in a particular time and place over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, but scripture reminds us, scripture teaches us that the Christ is not limited only to that one particular moment, place, and time. Christ is Incarnate in our particularities, as well. Christ is with us as a baby in Peru, or an infant in Kenya."

Click “Read More” to read or listen to Bingham's entire sermon. You can also watch the sermon in the Solemn service on our Christmas page: www.saint-marys.org/christmas

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Wise Men

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It is 5:00 in the morning. The house is quiet and cold on this winter morning and you hear the rain outside falling on the pavement and the trees.

You have been startled awake by a vivid and very strange dream. You toss in your bed for a bit, but sleep eludes you and the dream haunts you. Perhaps by going over it in your mind, you’ll be able to go back to sleep.

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