Past Sermons & Series – Advent 2021
The opening lines from Psalm 126 jumped off the page: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” What does it look like to live as those who dream? The prophets, the psalmists, John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the shepherds and the Magi—they were all dreamers. They received, discovered, and responded to God’s dreams for the world.
In Advent, we step into the mystery and awe of God’s dreams and pray they shape our reality. This theme is for the dreamers in all of us—those who dream of a deeper connection with God and those who dream of a better world. It’s for those who dream of comfort and for those who have given up on their dreams. It’s for those whose dreams have been crushed and for those who show us that dreams take time. Join us this Advent as we dream alongside prophets and angels, Mary and the Magi. Join us as we seek and sow God’s dreams for our world.
November 29th, 2020 - The First Sunday in Advent
THOSE WHO DREAM...KEEP AWAKE! (Hope)
Mark 13:24-37 | Isaiah 64:1-9 | Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Those who dream do not fall asleep to the realities of the world. God prompts us to pay attention to where God’s dreams for change and new life are emerging. In Advent, we remember that God’s ultimate dream is to be intimately connected to us—to come down and dwell among us. As we keep awake, we join Isaiah and the psalmist in pleading for restoration and for God to draw near.
December 6th, 2020 - The Second Sunday in Advent
THOSE WHO DREAM...PREPARE THE WAY (Peace)
Mark 1:1-8 | Isaiah 40:1-11 | Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 John the Baptist calls the crowds into the journey of repentance and transformation. Similarly, we are called to prepare the way for God’s message of love and liberation to be shouted, heard, and received. Those who dream make way for righteousness and peace to kiss, for faithfulness to spring up from the ground (Ps. 85:10-11).
December 13th, 2020 - The Third Sunday in Advent
THOSE WHO DREAM...SOW JOY (Joy)
Luke 1:46-55 | Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 | Psalm 126 Ultimately, dreams sow joy, even if that joy doesn’t immediately spring forth. Sowing seeds into the soil always feels risky and feeble—how can something so small become something so beautiful, so big, and so nourishing? Like Mary, we are called to tend and nurture the dreams God has woven into us.
The Fourth Sunday in Advent
THOSE WHO DREAM...ARE NOT ALONE (Love)
Luke 1:26-45 | 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 | Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
This week, we recognize what preceded Mary’s song of praise: news that was disorienting and bewildering, possibly threatening her life. Together, Mary and Elizabeth find courage and comfort in spite of their unusual circumstances. We, too, are called to carry, support, and encourage one another’s dreams.