A sermon based on Matthew 1:1-17, Rev. Dr. Jon Diefenthaler, Sr Pastor Emeritus, Our Savior Lutheran Church
For many Christians around the world, the First Sunday in Advent marks the beginning of new church year. It’s also a good time for all of us to make a new start in our spiritual lives. And it’s one of the reasons the season here at Our Savior provides not only four Sunday services, but three worship opportunities on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.
In addition, Advent features some special audio-visual aids. There is the Advent wreath with four named candles that are lit in succession in order to heighten our anticipation and appreciation of the Christmas celebration. With plays and programs, our children get to portray for us the story of Jesus’ birth. There’s the “Giving Tree” in the church lobby. When it comes to musical highlights of the season, there are the inspiring Christmas concerts. The ones that we offer each year here in our sanctuary are in fact not to be missed.
Advent this year will include a Sunday sermon series entitled “Our Dear Lord Enters In,” and each week we will examine what happens when Jesus Christ comes and makes our hearts his home. The three midweek services, moreover, will draw upon themes found in the popular Christmas carol, “Away in a Manger.”
“Family Tree” is the theme for the message this Sunday. Matthew 1:1-17 is the text. Like us, Jesus had generations of imperfect persons who were his ancestors. By looking at them, we will see once again how blessed we are to have been grafted into the family tree of God because of him.
0 Comments