In the midst of the sensation overload this season brings— Christmas muzak in stores by Thanksgiving Day—and Thanksgiving Day Parades; Salvation Army bell ringers outside of stores; oversized balloon-like santas and snowmen—we even saw a balloon dachshund last evening!; long lines at the post office and malls and stores; travel …
For a prophet whom God called to preach judgment to a disobedient nation in the hopes that they might repent, as we’ve seen these past few weeks Isaiah sure mingled in a whole lot of hope and joy with his warnings! And this morning is no exception. This hope and …
As we considered the second chapter in Isaiah last week, we saw how the vision he was given was for “the last days,” a Messianic age of peace when not only Jews but even Gentiles would seek to come to the mountain of the Lord, to learn his will that …
Since it’s been a while since we’ve considered the book of Isaiah, I’ll begin this morning with a few reminders about who he was and what the LORD called him to prophesy about. Isaiah lived from around 740–681 BC. The general theme of his writing is “Yahweh Saves!” and even …
As you heard the Scripture being read, I know what you were thinking: Does she know this is supposed to be a Thanksgiving homily???? Yes, I do, so bear with me for a few moments as we see why this extraordinary passage is so very appropriate for Thanksgiving. I’d like …
Judging by the Salvation Army bell ringers that have been outside of Market Basket for the past two weeks, we’ve officially entered the holiday season even as we’re still recovering from one of the most contentious political seasons many of us have ever experienced. And so we’ve gathered together this …
I imagine that as John was leading in the Scripture reading, some of you may have been thinking: “Did Laura forget what season we’re in? We’re headed toward Christmas, not Easter! November isn’t a time to focus on the crucifixion. We do that in the Spring during Lent as a …
I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been using the Revised Common Lectionary to guide us through various biblical books and themes in our weekly worship. One of the many benefits of doing this is that it’s helped me come to a better appreciation of days that have been set aside to …
In our passage this morning we have yet another of what at times seems to be endless instances of people, often religious leaders, who seem to be trying to set Jesus up. In Jesus’ day there were four major religious groups within Judaism—Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, and Essenes. The group challenging …
This morning’s passage is yet another reminder of our Lord’s mercy to those who want to see him—which is another way of saying that Jesus is merciful to those who see their sin, and want to be free from it. By the time we arrive at the events described in …
