The Power of Belovedness
January 9, 2022
Church of the Servant
First Sunday after Epiphany The Baptism of our Lord Luke 3:15-17, 21-22; Isaiah 43:1-7 Click the Audio Link below to hear the Sermon
Torn Open
January 10, 2021
Church of the Servant, Wilmington, NC
1st Sunday after Epiphany
Mark 1:4-11
Revealing the Son’s Light
January 7, 2018
Church of the Servant, Wilmington, NC
1st Sunday after Epiphany
Genesis 1:1-5; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
Listen here:
Gospel Text:
Mark 1:4-11
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Wonder Leads the Way
January 6, 2016
Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross, GA
The Feast of the Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
(Gospel text is provided at the bottom of this post)
Tonight’s gospel reading is the familiar story of the three wise men from the East. They’ve seen a distant star and embark on a long journey to pay homage to a newborn messiah.
Christmas Pageants and Nativity Scenes include these three characters alongside the shepherds, donkeys, sheep, Mary and Joseph as they all surround Baby-Jesus in the manger. 
The problem is, in Matthew’s gospel there is no manger scene – no census; no long journey to Bethlehem; no “no vacancy” inns – there’s no stable at all. That’s all in Luke’s gospel. Read the rest of this entry »
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