SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 15, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Last week I said that we would turn our attention from the apocalyptic lectionary readings of Advent, from the desert of John’s powerful proclamation, toward Bethlehem. As we will see in scripture this Sunday morning, the birth narrative/report in Matthew is anything but angels singing and starlight.

Matthew reports a marriage contract seemingly broken, a ‘righteous man’ humiliated, a young woman presumed unfaithful- in other words, a mess. But… angels intercede in a dream. The prophecy from Isaiah is fulfilled and we move on, but not without risk.

Other birth narratives are offered in other gospels that more closely match our expectations and perhaps offer a winsome Christmas needed, but the humanness we see in Matthew ‘prepares the way of the Lord’ in the most real sense.

Into our messiness a child is born, not in random circumstance, but in intention. Divinity set aside, humanity embraced, the grace and mystery of God’s loving intention and holy strategy made known.

Christmas week begins. We need it. We need each other. The world needs what is offered through you and me as we are faithful in God’s joyful and triumphant love made known through… a baby.

Come Lord Jesus –

In anticipation,