Ash Wednesday - B

How many frustrated preachers have wished in the back of their minds that they could begin a sermon with John the Baptist’s words, “You brood of vipers!” (37). Before anyone jumps the gun on this, consider the end of Luke 3, “he [King Herod] shut up John in prison (3:20). In anxious times, weighing one’s words carefully when emotions run rampant, and tempers are short is good wisdom. John’s desired outcome was for people of faith to bear advent fruit, not simply fly off the handle at their poor judgement.

Zephaniah 3:14-20
In this season of hope with Christmas looming, there is still a lot of despair. Rising prices putting pressure on the American family have led 78% of our families to live paycheck to paycheck (as per a 2023 Payroll.org survey). Of course, the Christmas Season is often a time of gloom and regret for some of us. In response, based on this lesson's word of assurance, Martin Luther comments on God's love:

John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (v. 16)

Sometime in the spring of 1951, my parents, Leonard and Bernice Sumwalt, stood before the congregation of the Loyd Evangelical United Brethren Church and made a promise that had a profound effect on my life. Our pastor at that time, Miss Sarah Mower, said to them:

Object: Two shirts and two sandwiches or little bags of chips or cookies.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

On this third Sunday of Advent, we hear again from Paul’s letter to the believers at Philippi. Many scholars believe that he wrote this letter from prison, perhaps even during his last prison term in Rome, before his death, but we don’t know for sure. It’s clear that he wrote from a prison cell somewhere, and that he wrote about his deeply held idea of cultivating joy in all things.

Moline, Illinois, September, 1977 was the place and date for a special gift that Terry Schafer purchased for her policeman husband, David. It was a pre-Christmas gift. She had a fear that it might be too expensive, but nothing was too good for her husband! She loved him with all of her heart and wanted this to be special.

(See Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The theme of joy is highlighted in this reading from the prophet Isaiah, which is why the text is frequently employed during Advent. The poet sings, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" (v. 3) and "Shout aloud and sing for joy ... for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel" (v. 6). The key to joy is those closing words in verse 6, in which the prophet celebrates the presence of God in the midst of the worshiping community.

I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas songs played at this time of the year. They are 1) "The Christmas Song," 2) "White Christmas," 3) "Winter Wonderland," and 4) "Silver Bells." It is interesting to note that they are all secular songs that focus on the "warm fuzzies" and sentimental feelings of the season. There are no Christian or religious songs here.

Call to Worship:

John the Baptist called people to turn to God for help and support. In our worship today let us follow his advice and turn to our Lord.

Invitation to Confession:

Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times we turn away from you.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times when we ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, turn your face upon us, that we may turn again to you.

Lord, have mercy.

Reading: