The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Christmas/Name of Jesus
As we begin another year in the blessed name of Jesus, we remember that from the time we are baptized, we are called Christian. We are “Christ-ened,” named in Jesus Christ at the font, and we pray in his name throughout our lives. Bearing Christ’s name, our lives reveal the triune God, in whose name […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Christmas Day
As on the first day of creation, on this Christmas Day the Word illumines the world, shining forth to bring all things into being. Today we celebrate the incarnate Word, God becoming flesh to live among us in the person of Jesus Christ then and now. Emboldened by the good news of Christ’s birth, along […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Christmas Eve
In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah’s prophesy of a young woman who will bear a son, naming him Emmanuel, is the foretelling of Matthew’s gospel about the annunciation and birth of Emmanuel, “God with us.” Christ’s living presence helps us during these final days of Advent, as we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” always trusting that he lives in […]
Third Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series, is “Holy Interruptions, Holy In-dwellings,” a reminder that God often interrupts our plans and encounters us in the midst of life’s busyness, dwelling in us with grace and […]
Third Sunday of Advent – Lessons and Carols
Today’s “Service of Lessons and Carols” (see the “Music Notes” on page 18 of the bulletin) is a St. Mark’s tradition that reaches back into 19th century England with the singing of carols and the reading of lessons in preparation for the season of Christmas. During today’s service, may you hear again the grace of […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series, is “Holy Interruptions, Holy In-dwellings,” a reminder that God often interrupts our plans and encounters us in the midst of life’s busyness, dwelling in us with grace and […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Sunday of Advent
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series, is “Holy Interruptions, Holy In-dwellings,” a reminder that God often interrupts our plans and encounters us in the midst of life’s busyness, dwelling in us with grace and […]
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