This Sunday was the second Sunday of Advent when our congregation breaks away from Advent and has a service of Lessons and Carols. Consequently, I preached a very brief sermon. The illustration about King's College was a last-minute addition to the sermon (I literally added it during the first hymn, but that's another story!). The illustration seemed to tie the sermon together in a way that worked for me.
“Looking for God in the Personal lives”, December 8, 2024; St. Andrew Presbyterian Church; Philippians 1: 3-11
Move 1: We love singing the Christmas carols so much, we interrupt our Advent journey each year with a Sunday morning of Lessons and Carols.
When we hear the stories about the birth of Christ, we recognize an incredible event has taken place,
but when we sing the carols,
when we lift up our “Glorias” it gives voice to the hopes and dreams we dare to have because God has stepped into our human history and changed its trajectory forever.
do not forget that the birth of Christ was a world-altering event that still impacts and changes our world today.
When we look for God this Advent , we no doubt are looking for the God who changes the world and will not stop until Christ comes again.
Move 2: On the other hand, when we read the Apostle Paul’s letters, we are reminded of the personal aspect of God coming into our lives.
Paul has a tendency to make things personal.
he begins his letter to the Philippians that we read this morning as he does most of his letters::
“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
“how I long for you.”
“and this is my prayer [for you]…”
Paul may have been one of the first great theologians of the church;
he might have had strong opinions about issues that still bring forth strong feelings from readers of his letters today,
but he also .recognizes the personal relationships and connections God has with us and that we are have with each other.
when you are looking for God this Advent, look for the God who desires to be a part of your life in personal ways.
the coming of Christ changes the world, but also lays claim on you personally.
When we sing In the Bleak Midwinter in a moment, pay attention to the words
words that speak to how God enters the world in dramatic fashion,
but words which also demand a personal response.
What can I give him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
The words of someone who has found God and chosen to give their life over to God.
King’s College in England is where the tradition of lessons and carols began and continues every Christmas Eve. Interesting info - the soloist does not know he is going to be the soloist until the moment the broadcast starts and the choirmaster points to one of them. Yes, the choirmaster decides in the moment who is in their best voice and points to that person.
All prepare as if that night they are the one.
All expect it may be their night to personally sing the solo.
Imagine the excitement, the preparation, the fear, the joy
This Advent, when you look for God, imagine the God has pointed to you and said, “You are mine.”
Amen.
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