Philippians 4:4-7 Sermon Commentary
Advent 3C
We’ve already noted how the Year C RCL Epistolary lessons devote relatively scant attention to the first and second comings of Christ. But at least on the first two Sundays in Advent they mention Christ’s return by referring to “the day of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:13; Philippians 1:6, 10) This Sunday’s Lesson doesn’t even…
Isaiah 12:2-6 Sermon Commentary
Advent 3C
For the second Sunday in a row the Year C Advent Lectionary does not have an actual Psalm assigned but instead another psalm-like passage. Last week it was Zechariah’s song from Luke 1 and today on this Third Advent Sunday it is a lyric passage from Isaiah 12. This chapter of course follows on the…
Luke 3:7-18 Sermon Commentary
Advent 3C
Comments, Questions, and Observations Throughout this passage, there is a contrast of powers for transformation. That contrast is most thoroughly set forth in the two baptisms John talks about—his and the one of the Messiah. One is like John himself, human; the other is filled with the power of God. One has power that is…
Zephaniah 3:14-20 Sermon Commentary
Advent 3C
A Pastoral Word: The Christmas season can be difficult for those grieving, lonely, struggling financially. In fact, any time of year is difficult for those in distress. But the particular difficulty of Christmas is the temptation to throw tinsel and lights on the outside without attending to the realities on the inside. For this reason,…
Malachi 3:1-4 Sermon Commentary
Advent 2C
Commentary: Advent is most commonly referred to as a season of waiting. But the minor prophets don’t let us off that easy. They rightly point out that there is a world of difference between waiting and preparing.As little kids, we thought the waiting was the hard part. As adults, we’ve learned that waiting around with…
Philippians 1:3-11 Sermon Commentary
Advent 2C
As was the case last week and is the case throughout Advent, this week’s Revised Common Lectionary Epistolary Lesson seems to pay only minimal attention to that to which many of Jesus’ friends pay so much attention during December. Philippians 1 devotes little attention to Christ’s first and second comings. I previously suggested that this…
Luke 1:68-79 Sermon Commentary
Advent 2C
We could call it Psalm 151. Because that is what Zechariah’s song sounds like. Not only does it sound like some of the actual 150 psalms in the Hebrew Psalter, it sounds very much like an Old Testament passage even though it is of course in the New Testament (which may be why the Year…
Luke 3:1-6 Sermon Commentary
Advent 2C
Comments, Questions, and Observations With his list of the powerful, Luke establishes us well under the thumb of Roman rule. From Caesar and his representatives in Palestine and the surrounding regions, to the Roman supported high priests, there can be no doubt who is in charge in Jerusalem. The infamous Roman road system was not…
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Sermon Commentary
Advent 1C
In Advent God’s dearly beloved people think about the ways in which God has graciously come, is coming and will come to us. However, during the month of December Jesus’ friends especially expend a lot of energy thinking about his first coming. The Church, at its best, also tries to direct at least some of…
Sermon Commentary Library
Our weekly sermon commentaries are Lectionary-based, which across its three-year cycle, encompass a vast array of biblical texts. Filter the Sermon Commentary Library to search Scripture texts by book and chapter to find commentary, illustrations, and reflections to spark ideas.
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