Ministry Matters - Rejoice! | Each the midwife of Christ

In this week's newsletter, we are focusing on some resources to help spark your sermon preparation for Christmas Eve and Day just ahead. We hope that these notes, reflections, and pieces help you prepare for that holy day and all those who will come hoping to hear glad tidings of great joy.

What's the source of our joy? Rejoice! by Will Willimon   Christmas Day! Rejoice! Though we could not climb up to God, in the nativity of Jesus, God Almighty has come down to us. Though we could not, in our sin, get a good look at God, God has appeared to us. To those wandering in the darkness, light has dawned. Titus proclaims, in the incarnation, at Christmas, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.” Salvation to us, even us. Therefore, we rejoice. Read here

How do we best bear witness to the wonder of the incarnation? Each the midwife of Christ by Sue Halpert-Johnson   If you want, the virgin will come. Preaching on Christmas Eve (and on Christmas Day) is uniquely difficult. Many are there for one of the few obligatory events of the year, often not so much as a spiritual practice but as a nod to family tradition that is non-negotiable. Often the best preaching in their estimation is that which takes the fewest minutes! Read here

Do we actually believe that grace is freely available to all? God for us, grace for all, and the history of incompatibility by Wesley Bros Comics   The Gospel isn’t just that Christ gets us to heaven: it’s that Jesus uniquely creates the possibility for humans to put on the mind/attitude of Christ, to grow in true love every day. The incarnation (God becoming human) is the ultimate revelation that God is for us all, that God loves us all, that God’s heart is for the wholeness and blessing of everyone. The heart “strangely warmed” by God delights in growing in loving God and loving others more and more every day. Read here

Worshipping with kids just ahead of Christmas Prayers, litanies, and benedictions for this Sunday in Advent

Elements of love on Advent's Fourth Sunday