Joy and anticipation concerning what God was about to do
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: Joy and anticipation concerning what God was about to do. Isaiah promises the oil of gladness (Isaiah 61:3) as God brings the captives of Israel back to their homeland. In Thessalonians, Paul charges the church always to rejoice (v. 16). In the Gospel, John delineates his message as pointing to the One who was to follow him: the One who would be much greater than he. All of these messengers were filled with a sense of joyful expectancy.
The third Sunday in Advent has in some traditions been known as "Rejoice Sunday," with the rose candle in the Advent wreath representing the believers' attitude of joy as we watch for Christ's coming. The theme of rejoicing comes clearly through the first two lessons.
In the medieval church this third Sunday in Advent was known as "Minister's Sunday" and was utilized as an occasion for ordination. This presents another viable approach. The First Lesson heralds the anointing of the prophet and the Gospel highlights the ministry of John the Baptist who, in turn, announces the ministry of the Messiah.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1--4, 8--11 (C); Isaiah 61:1--2, 10--11 (RC)
This passage springs from an inspired sixth century B.C. prophet, who proclaimed a brilliant message of hope for the returning Babylonian captives, although they would find their land in ruins. The Lord's liberation would confer a spirit of joy. The people respond to this good news with an affirmation of praise (vv. 10--11). Verses 1--2a were the basis for our Lord's first sermon to the home town crowd (Luke 4). Jesus aims to free the oppressed.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 65:17--25 (E)
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:16--24 (C, RC); 1 Thessalonians 5:(12--15) 16--28 (E)
This lection, from one of Paul's earliest epistles, deals with the questions that believers had concerning the parousia. Namely, what will happen to those who die before the parousia and when will it take place? Today's text contains ethical admonitions that flow from steadfast confidence in the second coming of Christ in glory. Christ will keep them faithful, ready for his coming. Therefore, they should rejoice and give thanks.
Gospel: John 1:6--8, 19--28 (C, RC, E)
John the Baptist is presented as the one who gives witness to the light and truth. John's ministry caused quite a stir and raised questions as to his identity. The religious leaders in Jerusalem sent representatives to ascertain John's identity. "Who are you?" they asked. "Are you the Christ?" "No." "Are you Elijah?" (He was expected to precede the Messiah.) "No." Jesus sees the answer differently because he clearly identifies John as the Elijah figure (Matthew 11:14; Mark 9:13). Evidently John is unconscious of his crucial role. "Are you the Messiah?" "No." "Are you a prophet?" "I am not!" John defines himself more in terms of who he is not rather than who he is. When he does identify himself, it comes across more in terms of function rather than title: the preparer of the way. Clearly John sees his role as being part of the supporting cast rather than as that of the star. He is not even worthy to unloose the sandals of the Messiah (the servant's role).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 126 (C, E) - "The Lord has done great things for us" (v. 3).
Prayer Of The Day
Liberating Lord, when we have become captive to the powers of sin and death, you break the bars of our oppression with your mighty forgiveness and grace. We thank and praise you for freeing us through the redemption that comes through your Son, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1--4, 8--11
Liberation theology. In recent decades liberation theology has caught hold in places like Mexico and South America. The liberationists maintain that God holds a preferential regard for the poor and oppressed. This has made them bold to challenge power structures and politics as usual. Though liberationists have sometimes become mired in Marxist thinking, they have a point. God does come to the rescue of the poor and oppressed. Like the prophet of Isaiah 61, God has ordained his church to proclaim "liberty to the captives." However, this liberation does not come about because of political education but through the Spirit of the Lord.
Anointed and appointed. The prophet announces that he has been both anointed with the Spirit of God and appointed to preach the good news to the poor and oppressed. God gave his prophet a mission that could only be accomplished through divine empowerment. God never gives us a task without the power to complete it, the power of his Spirit.
Clothed for salvation. The prophet uses the image of clothing several times in this passage (vv. 2, 10). God has clothed his people with the garment of salvation and the robe of righteousness (God's action) and the garment of praise (our response to God's salvation). He pictures a wedding feast where the bride and groom are decked out in their festive robes. God would marry his sinful people once more and there will be much rejoicing.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:16--24
Keepers of the flame. These words of admonition instruct the believers how they might keep the flame of faith alive in a hostile world, a world where it seems that God is withholding his saving presence. Prayer and thanksgiving are the chief tools. Then Paul warns them not to put out the Spirit's fire (v. 19). Our congregation has embarked on a course to train people to reach out to those who have ceased being active in the church. One of the assumptions of the course has it that the inactive person remains a part of the church until he or she decides otherwise. The flame of faith may be burning dimly but it's still alive. The church must gently fan the spark into full flame.
Fire was a crucial commodity in ancient societies. Since it took a great deal of effort to start a fire, great care was taken to keep the flame alive. Certain people were appointed keepers of the fire, guardians to protect the sacred flames from going out. The fire of the Spirit came down upon the church at Pentecost and it is the function of the church to keep that fire from blowing out.
Faith that's more than skin deep. Paul prays that God might sanctify the believers "through and through." He prays that they might be wholly Christ's in spirit, soul and body (v. 23). Real faith does not rest on the surface but penetrates to the marrow of our being.
Gospel: John 1:6--8, 19--28
Willing witness. The writer of the Gospel seems to indicate that God sent John the Baptist into the world for one major purpose - to bear witness to the light, the truth, the Christ (vv. 6--8). Some people resist becoming witnesses because they don't want to get involved in somebody else's life. They would rather draw attention to themselves than to persons or truths outside themselves. By nature, the witness registers as less important than that to which he witnesses. John had no such scruples but was always willing to witness to the truth, no matter what the consequences. We too are called through our baptism to be willing witnesses to the light of Christ.
The first cheerleader. John stands as one of the most powerful figures in the biblical record, yet remains one of the most self--effacing. John didn't care about being number one. He didn't seek to bask in the spotlight or, to use football terminology, be the quarterback. John repeatedly refused the top spot, content to stand on the sidelines and be the cheerleader. Rah, Rah, Rah! Go Jesus!
Boxes. The religious authorities in Jerusalem were anxious about this hermit prophet. They were the masters of religious categories (boxes) and John didn't fit into any of them. He was the son of a priest but certainly wasn't acting in a priestly fashion. Could he be the Christ? The great Elijah who would prelude the Messiah? No, he claimed neither title. He was merely a voice crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord." He didn't fit any of their boxes. Consequently, the religious leadership likely rejected or, at best, turned a deaf ear to this haunting desert voice. Through the centuries the church has all too often rejected those figures who did not fit the established boxes.
Authority. What the priests and Levites were looking for was a sense of authority. They had been authorized by the Sanhedrin (probably) to find out John's authority (v. 22). Yet John's authority came directly from God. The deputation that paid John a visit submitted to the authority of their ecclesiastical superiors while John found his source of authority in the God who had called him.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1--4, 8--11
Sermon Title: The Spirit Makes The Difference
Sermon Angle: Every year we observe the Martin Luther King holiday, dedicated to the memory of a man whose mission was to free people. He didn't employ tanks or guns but the power of the word. Through his biblically--inspired oratory he enabled people of all races to shake off the shackles that enslaved them. On television, his son, a handsome young man with a deeply resonant voice like his father's, spoke. He obviously had many of the gifts his father possessed but his life has had little impact on the world. What makes the difference? The answer can be found in Isaiah 61:1--3. Martin Luther King was clothed with the Spirit of God. The Spirit makes all the difference in the world.
Sermon Title: There's Power In The Word
Sermon Angle: Back in the '60s there were those in churchly circles pronouncing the death knell to the sermon. They had lost faith in the power of the spoken word. They were wrong. When a preacher allows the Spirit to proclaim the good news of God's liberation and freedom, people will listen and respond. Dr. Martin Luther King is an outstanding example of this principle. The word also has the power to free us from other kinds of bondage - selfishness, addiction and fear. We must continue lifting up the Lord's liberating good news and grace.
Sermon Title: The Lord Is My Liberator
Sermon Angle: The prophet announced that the Lord would free his exiled people from their bondage and bring them home. This freedom would become manifest in different ways. First, as a word of liberation (to proclaim liberty to the captives). Second, as a word of comfort (v. 20). Third, as a word of favor (grace). These three points can be the outline for your sermon.
__________
The Lord still liberates people from bondage. Take the case of Allen Underwood, a drug addict and dealer who spent years of his youth running on the wild side. In 1985 he landed in prison for his drug activities, where he and his wife came to the sober realization that they must radically transform their lives or it was curtains for them. They both became disciples of Christ, who transformed their lives. When Allen got out of prison, he began to speak in schools, jails and wherever people would listen, about his former life and how he intended, with the Lord's help, to turn it around. One of the officers who arrested Allen testified to the authenticity of Allen's faith. "He's probably ministered to more people than most Christians do in a lifetime," the police officer from Grand Island, Nebraska, stated. It would be nice to leave the story on this happy note but it seems that, though God can liberate us from our bondage, we still have to live with the consequences of our actions. Allen was diagnosed HIV positive in 1992 and died toward the end of 1994. Of course, in death God performs his greatest act of liberation.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:16--24
Sermon Title: Wholly Holy
Sermon Angle: Some years back I bought a book called Wholly Holy. Those two words summarize what Paul communicates through verse 23, where he prays that God might sanctify the believers wholly - body, soul and spirit. In the modern world we experience fragmentation of our being. True spirituality aims to integrate our being and make us whole. Through a life of holiness (one that is grounded in Christ) we come to experience wholeness. This sermon could be devoted to discussing how such a life might be lived.
Outline:
1. Discuss the fragmentation of our lives.
2. Establish that God wants us to be whole. (Discuss holiness.)
3. Put forth some strategies for wholeness (prayer, worship, recreation, etc.).
4. God will make us holy if we let him (v. 24).
Sermon Title: Jubilation!
Sermon Angle: The third Sunday in Advent has been dubbed "Rejoice Sunday." Some churches feature a rose candle in the Advent wreath to put across this theme of joy. Our lesson begins: "Rejoice always" (v. 16). This injunction seems unrealistic and out of touch with reality. Sickness, death and tragedy sometimes steal into our lives without warning, smashing to pieces that which we hold dear. Yet joy is possible in all circumstances if we do not confuse joy with happiness. Happiness comes from the root word "hap," which means chance. Happiness depends on things going our way. Joy, on the other hand, comes from the certain knowledge of our Lord's abiding presence in all circumstances and of our coming victory through the power of the Spirit.
__________
(Before sermon, write the word "joy" on stick--ons. Stick them on several worshippers.)
Good morning! This is the season of giving, so I want to share with you some serendipity. (Pass out the stick--ons to 4 or 5 people.) What do I mean by serendipity and what makes these stick--ons serendipitous? It seems that somebody at the 3M Company developed an adhesive but it didn't adhere very well; you could easily pull it apart. This guy thought he had failed! Then the idea came to him or to one of his co--workers. Wait a minute! We could put this adhesive on note pads and post messages where they could be seen. Voila! A serendipity! These notes have to be a huge money maker. A serendipity is a happy discovery we make while doing something else or seeking something else. Serendipities are never intentional. They just happen, when we have the eyes to see them. Serendipities happen to all of us, but we are not always attuned to receive them.
Now, those of you who received a note this morning have probably noticed that the word "Joy" is inscribed on the note. That's because JOY is SERENDIPITOUS. If you set out to be happy or joyous, you will probably fail. Joy comes as a by--product of seeking something greater. Our lesson informs us that joy comes as a result of loving and serving Jesus, as we watch for his return.
Gospel: John 1:6--8, 19--28
Sermon Title: A Life Of Witness
Sermon Angle: This passage tells us that God sent John the Baptist for the express purpose of bearing testimony to Christ; he was sent as a witness to the Anointed One. John's whole life was one of witness. As followers of Christ, we too are sent to bear witness to Christ. Our job is to point the way to the One who takes away the sins of the world. This Advent season, with its emphasis on the Baptist, provides a great opportunity to encourage one another to offer our whole life to the Lord in witness to his saving grace.
Outline:
1. John's whole life was one of witness.
2. John pointed away from himself to Christ, to the light.
3. Some Christians give only a fraction of their life to Christ.
4. If we give our whole life to God, our whole life will be a witness.
Sermon Title: Know Thyself
Sermon Angle: The deputation from Jerusalem really hit John up with a barrage of personal questions. Who are you? What are you doing? Why are you doing it? John responded out of a clear sense of self and of mission. He knew himself as a servant, sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. John knew himself in relationship to the Lord. Without such knowledge, nobody can know himself. The preacher's task is to challenge the worshippers to know themselves in Christ.
Outline:
1. This text confronts us with the question of identity.
2. John was able to make a powerful witness because he knew himself.
3. Such people cause others to take notice (v. 19).
4. John did not attempt to become what he was not (vv. 19--21).
5. He defined himself through his mission (v. 23).
6. Knowing ourselves entails knowing Christ and his will for our lives.
__________
Sermon Title: Witnesses To The Light
Sermon Angle: This lection opens with the statement that John was not THE light but came to bear witness to the light (vv. 7--8). Witnesses in court are called upon to witness to the works of darkness and sin. A person can't go through a day without hearing testimony concerning the works of darkness. Our recent obsession with the O. J. Simpson trial exposes our keen fascination with the realm of darkness, regardless of whether Simpson is innocent or guilty. If only we gave half as much attention to those who have committed outstanding acts of goodness, love and grace. Like John, we have been called to bear witness to the light which is Christ.
Outline:
1. The O. J. Simpson trial demonstrates our fascination with evil.
2. Why do we find the realm of spiritual darkness more compelling than the realm of light?
3. The chief function of John was to point to the light.
4. It is our calling also to witness to the light.
The third Sunday in Advent has in some traditions been known as "Rejoice Sunday," with the rose candle in the Advent wreath representing the believers' attitude of joy as we watch for Christ's coming. The theme of rejoicing comes clearly through the first two lessons.
In the medieval church this third Sunday in Advent was known as "Minister's Sunday" and was utilized as an occasion for ordination. This presents another viable approach. The First Lesson heralds the anointing of the prophet and the Gospel highlights the ministry of John the Baptist who, in turn, announces the ministry of the Messiah.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1--4, 8--11 (C); Isaiah 61:1--2, 10--11 (RC)
This passage springs from an inspired sixth century B.C. prophet, who proclaimed a brilliant message of hope for the returning Babylonian captives, although they would find their land in ruins. The Lord's liberation would confer a spirit of joy. The people respond to this good news with an affirmation of praise (vv. 10--11). Verses 1--2a were the basis for our Lord's first sermon to the home town crowd (Luke 4). Jesus aims to free the oppressed.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 65:17--25 (E)
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:16--24 (C, RC); 1 Thessalonians 5:(12--15) 16--28 (E)
This lection, from one of Paul's earliest epistles, deals with the questions that believers had concerning the parousia. Namely, what will happen to those who die before the parousia and when will it take place? Today's text contains ethical admonitions that flow from steadfast confidence in the second coming of Christ in glory. Christ will keep them faithful, ready for his coming. Therefore, they should rejoice and give thanks.
Gospel: John 1:6--8, 19--28 (C, RC, E)
John the Baptist is presented as the one who gives witness to the light and truth. John's ministry caused quite a stir and raised questions as to his identity. The religious leaders in Jerusalem sent representatives to ascertain John's identity. "Who are you?" they asked. "Are you the Christ?" "No." "Are you Elijah?" (He was expected to precede the Messiah.) "No." Jesus sees the answer differently because he clearly identifies John as the Elijah figure (Matthew 11:14; Mark 9:13). Evidently John is unconscious of his crucial role. "Are you the Messiah?" "No." "Are you a prophet?" "I am not!" John defines himself more in terms of who he is not rather than who he is. When he does identify himself, it comes across more in terms of function rather than title: the preparer of the way. Clearly John sees his role as being part of the supporting cast rather than as that of the star. He is not even worthy to unloose the sandals of the Messiah (the servant's role).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 126 (C, E) - "The Lord has done great things for us" (v. 3).
Prayer Of The Day
Liberating Lord, when we have become captive to the powers of sin and death, you break the bars of our oppression with your mighty forgiveness and grace. We thank and praise you for freeing us through the redemption that comes through your Son, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1--4, 8--11
Liberation theology. In recent decades liberation theology has caught hold in places like Mexico and South America. The liberationists maintain that God holds a preferential regard for the poor and oppressed. This has made them bold to challenge power structures and politics as usual. Though liberationists have sometimes become mired in Marxist thinking, they have a point. God does come to the rescue of the poor and oppressed. Like the prophet of Isaiah 61, God has ordained his church to proclaim "liberty to the captives." However, this liberation does not come about because of political education but through the Spirit of the Lord.
Anointed and appointed. The prophet announces that he has been both anointed with the Spirit of God and appointed to preach the good news to the poor and oppressed. God gave his prophet a mission that could only be accomplished through divine empowerment. God never gives us a task without the power to complete it, the power of his Spirit.
Clothed for salvation. The prophet uses the image of clothing several times in this passage (vv. 2, 10). God has clothed his people with the garment of salvation and the robe of righteousness (God's action) and the garment of praise (our response to God's salvation). He pictures a wedding feast where the bride and groom are decked out in their festive robes. God would marry his sinful people once more and there will be much rejoicing.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:16--24
Keepers of the flame. These words of admonition instruct the believers how they might keep the flame of faith alive in a hostile world, a world where it seems that God is withholding his saving presence. Prayer and thanksgiving are the chief tools. Then Paul warns them not to put out the Spirit's fire (v. 19). Our congregation has embarked on a course to train people to reach out to those who have ceased being active in the church. One of the assumptions of the course has it that the inactive person remains a part of the church until he or she decides otherwise. The flame of faith may be burning dimly but it's still alive. The church must gently fan the spark into full flame.
Fire was a crucial commodity in ancient societies. Since it took a great deal of effort to start a fire, great care was taken to keep the flame alive. Certain people were appointed keepers of the fire, guardians to protect the sacred flames from going out. The fire of the Spirit came down upon the church at Pentecost and it is the function of the church to keep that fire from blowing out.
Faith that's more than skin deep. Paul prays that God might sanctify the believers "through and through." He prays that they might be wholly Christ's in spirit, soul and body (v. 23). Real faith does not rest on the surface but penetrates to the marrow of our being.
Gospel: John 1:6--8, 19--28
Willing witness. The writer of the Gospel seems to indicate that God sent John the Baptist into the world for one major purpose - to bear witness to the light, the truth, the Christ (vv. 6--8). Some people resist becoming witnesses because they don't want to get involved in somebody else's life. They would rather draw attention to themselves than to persons or truths outside themselves. By nature, the witness registers as less important than that to which he witnesses. John had no such scruples but was always willing to witness to the truth, no matter what the consequences. We too are called through our baptism to be willing witnesses to the light of Christ.
The first cheerleader. John stands as one of the most powerful figures in the biblical record, yet remains one of the most self--effacing. John didn't care about being number one. He didn't seek to bask in the spotlight or, to use football terminology, be the quarterback. John repeatedly refused the top spot, content to stand on the sidelines and be the cheerleader. Rah, Rah, Rah! Go Jesus!
Boxes. The religious authorities in Jerusalem were anxious about this hermit prophet. They were the masters of religious categories (boxes) and John didn't fit into any of them. He was the son of a priest but certainly wasn't acting in a priestly fashion. Could he be the Christ? The great Elijah who would prelude the Messiah? No, he claimed neither title. He was merely a voice crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord." He didn't fit any of their boxes. Consequently, the religious leadership likely rejected or, at best, turned a deaf ear to this haunting desert voice. Through the centuries the church has all too often rejected those figures who did not fit the established boxes.
Authority. What the priests and Levites were looking for was a sense of authority. They had been authorized by the Sanhedrin (probably) to find out John's authority (v. 22). Yet John's authority came directly from God. The deputation that paid John a visit submitted to the authority of their ecclesiastical superiors while John found his source of authority in the God who had called him.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1--4, 8--11
Sermon Title: The Spirit Makes The Difference
Sermon Angle: Every year we observe the Martin Luther King holiday, dedicated to the memory of a man whose mission was to free people. He didn't employ tanks or guns but the power of the word. Through his biblically--inspired oratory he enabled people of all races to shake off the shackles that enslaved them. On television, his son, a handsome young man with a deeply resonant voice like his father's, spoke. He obviously had many of the gifts his father possessed but his life has had little impact on the world. What makes the difference? The answer can be found in Isaiah 61:1--3. Martin Luther King was clothed with the Spirit of God. The Spirit makes all the difference in the world.
Sermon Title: There's Power In The Word
Sermon Angle: Back in the '60s there were those in churchly circles pronouncing the death knell to the sermon. They had lost faith in the power of the spoken word. They were wrong. When a preacher allows the Spirit to proclaim the good news of God's liberation and freedom, people will listen and respond. Dr. Martin Luther King is an outstanding example of this principle. The word also has the power to free us from other kinds of bondage - selfishness, addiction and fear. We must continue lifting up the Lord's liberating good news and grace.
Sermon Title: The Lord Is My Liberator
Sermon Angle: The prophet announced that the Lord would free his exiled people from their bondage and bring them home. This freedom would become manifest in different ways. First, as a word of liberation (to proclaim liberty to the captives). Second, as a word of comfort (v. 20). Third, as a word of favor (grace). These three points can be the outline for your sermon.
__________
The Lord still liberates people from bondage. Take the case of Allen Underwood, a drug addict and dealer who spent years of his youth running on the wild side. In 1985 he landed in prison for his drug activities, where he and his wife came to the sober realization that they must radically transform their lives or it was curtains for them. They both became disciples of Christ, who transformed their lives. When Allen got out of prison, he began to speak in schools, jails and wherever people would listen, about his former life and how he intended, with the Lord's help, to turn it around. One of the officers who arrested Allen testified to the authenticity of Allen's faith. "He's probably ministered to more people than most Christians do in a lifetime," the police officer from Grand Island, Nebraska, stated. It would be nice to leave the story on this happy note but it seems that, though God can liberate us from our bondage, we still have to live with the consequences of our actions. Allen was diagnosed HIV positive in 1992 and died toward the end of 1994. Of course, in death God performs his greatest act of liberation.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:16--24
Sermon Title: Wholly Holy
Sermon Angle: Some years back I bought a book called Wholly Holy. Those two words summarize what Paul communicates through verse 23, where he prays that God might sanctify the believers wholly - body, soul and spirit. In the modern world we experience fragmentation of our being. True spirituality aims to integrate our being and make us whole. Through a life of holiness (one that is grounded in Christ) we come to experience wholeness. This sermon could be devoted to discussing how such a life might be lived.
Outline:
1. Discuss the fragmentation of our lives.
2. Establish that God wants us to be whole. (Discuss holiness.)
3. Put forth some strategies for wholeness (prayer, worship, recreation, etc.).
4. God will make us holy if we let him (v. 24).
Sermon Title: Jubilation!
Sermon Angle: The third Sunday in Advent has been dubbed "Rejoice Sunday." Some churches feature a rose candle in the Advent wreath to put across this theme of joy. Our lesson begins: "Rejoice always" (v. 16). This injunction seems unrealistic and out of touch with reality. Sickness, death and tragedy sometimes steal into our lives without warning, smashing to pieces that which we hold dear. Yet joy is possible in all circumstances if we do not confuse joy with happiness. Happiness comes from the root word "hap," which means chance. Happiness depends on things going our way. Joy, on the other hand, comes from the certain knowledge of our Lord's abiding presence in all circumstances and of our coming victory through the power of the Spirit.
__________
(Before sermon, write the word "joy" on stick--ons. Stick them on several worshippers.)
Good morning! This is the season of giving, so I want to share with you some serendipity. (Pass out the stick--ons to 4 or 5 people.) What do I mean by serendipity and what makes these stick--ons serendipitous? It seems that somebody at the 3M Company developed an adhesive but it didn't adhere very well; you could easily pull it apart. This guy thought he had failed! Then the idea came to him or to one of his co--workers. Wait a minute! We could put this adhesive on note pads and post messages where they could be seen. Voila! A serendipity! These notes have to be a huge money maker. A serendipity is a happy discovery we make while doing something else or seeking something else. Serendipities are never intentional. They just happen, when we have the eyes to see them. Serendipities happen to all of us, but we are not always attuned to receive them.
Now, those of you who received a note this morning have probably noticed that the word "Joy" is inscribed on the note. That's because JOY is SERENDIPITOUS. If you set out to be happy or joyous, you will probably fail. Joy comes as a by--product of seeking something greater. Our lesson informs us that joy comes as a result of loving and serving Jesus, as we watch for his return.
Gospel: John 1:6--8, 19--28
Sermon Title: A Life Of Witness
Sermon Angle: This passage tells us that God sent John the Baptist for the express purpose of bearing testimony to Christ; he was sent as a witness to the Anointed One. John's whole life was one of witness. As followers of Christ, we too are sent to bear witness to Christ. Our job is to point the way to the One who takes away the sins of the world. This Advent season, with its emphasis on the Baptist, provides a great opportunity to encourage one another to offer our whole life to the Lord in witness to his saving grace.
Outline:
1. John's whole life was one of witness.
2. John pointed away from himself to Christ, to the light.
3. Some Christians give only a fraction of their life to Christ.
4. If we give our whole life to God, our whole life will be a witness.
Sermon Title: Know Thyself
Sermon Angle: The deputation from Jerusalem really hit John up with a barrage of personal questions. Who are you? What are you doing? Why are you doing it? John responded out of a clear sense of self and of mission. He knew himself as a servant, sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. John knew himself in relationship to the Lord. Without such knowledge, nobody can know himself. The preacher's task is to challenge the worshippers to know themselves in Christ.
Outline:
1. This text confronts us with the question of identity.
2. John was able to make a powerful witness because he knew himself.
3. Such people cause others to take notice (v. 19).
4. John did not attempt to become what he was not (vv. 19--21).
5. He defined himself through his mission (v. 23).
6. Knowing ourselves entails knowing Christ and his will for our lives.
__________
Sermon Title: Witnesses To The Light
Sermon Angle: This lection opens with the statement that John was not THE light but came to bear witness to the light (vv. 7--8). Witnesses in court are called upon to witness to the works of darkness and sin. A person can't go through a day without hearing testimony concerning the works of darkness. Our recent obsession with the O. J. Simpson trial exposes our keen fascination with the realm of darkness, regardless of whether Simpson is innocent or guilty. If only we gave half as much attention to those who have committed outstanding acts of goodness, love and grace. Like John, we have been called to bear witness to the light which is Christ.
Outline:
1. The O. J. Simpson trial demonstrates our fascination with evil.
2. Why do we find the realm of spiritual darkness more compelling than the realm of light?
3. The chief function of John was to point to the light.
4. It is our calling also to witness to the light.
