The Many Names of the Christ Child “The Bright Morning Star” Matthew 2:1-12 2 Peter 1:18-21 Revelation 22:12-16 (McMinnville FUMC, 1/4/09) The Bible offers many names to help us understand who Jesus is. We have looked at a few of these names during the Advent-Christmas season. Isaiah 9 taught us that…

Transfiguration Sunday; Epiphany; Sanctification; Deut. 34:1-12; 2 Cor. 4:3-6; Luke 9:28-36 Living Between The Mountaintop Experiences Transfiguration of our Lord-February 18, 2007 Vicar Brian Henderson “This is my Son, my chosen one; listen to Him.” ILLUSTRATION: You may be familiar with Peter Jenkins,…

Yesterday was the Twelfth and final Day of Christmas. Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. Epiphany is a Greek word that means “to shine forth.” Epiphany is the manifestation of the light of Christ to the Gentiles. This revealing was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, “Arise,…

If Magi were so despised by the culture and condemned by the Scripture, why did Matthew place them at the presence of Christ, God’s Son? In fact, this is not the only scandalous story he told. Let's look at the provocative message of Matthew's Magi story.

Let us pray…Gracious and Loving God, as we come before you this day, our hearts are full of love for you and the life of your Son, our minds are full of the things that we need to do yet today and in this coming week, and our eyes cannot escape all that flashes before them as we scan the TV, computer,…

The book of Revelation is a blessing because in it Christ uncovers for His people what is hidden from the world.

Let us pray…Gracious and loving God, as we come before you today, we pray for hearts focused on you, for ears trained to your still speaking voice, and eyes to see clearly the path you have laid before us, Amen. The Invitation I know in the last year this does not or has not happened much but think back…

Almighty God, you have promised when two or three are gathered that you are there, May we have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts open to you prompting – Amen Jesus tells us “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” What do you think of when you hear that said? … I am going to…

Scripture Reading 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he…

Jesus Christ was Called to His Mission This morning, we are going to jump right into this passage, just as Jesus jumped right into teaching when he reached the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee, and in particular, his home town of Nazareth. I just want to give you a couple historical/contextual facts…

Life Changing Moments first day of school joining a sports team, or arts group turning 10, 13, or turning 16 - Drivers license! turning 18, - you’re now an adult!?! graduations first job first career job marriage loss of a job birth of a child birth of a grand child death of a parent retirement major…

Against the Grain *Mark 2:23-28 Introduction: The Pharisees were regarded as men who were outstanding in their field. One day they were out standing in a field of grain to ambush Jesus, whose authoritative teaching was “rubbing them the wrong way, against their grain.” On this particular day, Jesus and…

What is it about someone's presence that has the power to change us (for good or bad)? This sermon considers the power of God's presence in epiphanies. The good news is that God is at work already in our lives and in the lives those around us even when we are unaware. We are invited to attend to his presence among us.

See with New Eyes

Let us pray…Gracious and loving God, as we move further away from your Son’s birth, help us in this day to remember the glow, the excitement, and the joy that came from celebrating his birth. As we come before you today in this time of reflection, open our hearts, minds, and spirits to your still speaking…

ss=MsoNormal>Lord may your light shine through me, in the words that I have to share and stir in the heart of those gathered here this morning, what purpose you have for us. Amen. It’s early in the New Year, the sixth day in January 2013, and this is a time when we look back at all the events and ‘things”…

Epiphany 2006 - January 8th - Ephesians 3:1-12 Lord may your light shine through me, in the words that I have to share and stir in the heart of those gathered here this morning, what purpose you have for us. Amen. Have you ever wondered what’s the purpose for church? It’s early in the morning, 15 minutes…

2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened,…

The Magi are an interesting topic and team of characters in the birth narratives. In our nativity sets we have done all kinds of things with them like name them and dress them like kings. We have even written hymns for them. We love to imagine the magi. However, the magi are important theologically in ways that we have not always thought about. They represent something more in the Christian mission.

Epiphany Today is Epiphany (with a capital E)-the Term “Epiphany” comes from a Greek word which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” it is the day we celebrate the arrival of the wise men bringing gifts to the baby (or more accurately toddler) Jesus - but what is epiphany about. EPIPHANY Term “epiphany”…

By another road Matthew 2:1-12 Many people have already taken down their Christmas decorations. This is one part of the Christmas ritual that many of us do not enjoy; packing and putting things away until the next Christmas season. But the Christmas celebration has not finished for many other people.…

Transfiguration Sunday; Epiphany; Sanctification; Deut. 34:1-12; 2 Cor. 4:3-6; Luke 9:28-36 Living Between The Mountaintop Experiences Transfiguration of our Lord-February 18, 2007 Vicar Brian Henderson “This is my Son, my chosen one; listen to Him.” ILLUSTRATION: You may be familiar with Peter Jenkins,…

Perceiving the Spirit

Have you met them - men or women who are firmly convinced they can make a good cup of tea out of yesterday's tea bags? She carefully picks up yesterday's tea bag from the saucer, boils the water, adds it to the pot - and hopes. If you like slightly stained hot water to drink, save your tea bags and use…