Fourth Sunday In Advent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 7:10-16 (C); Isaiah 7:10-14 (RC); Isaiah 7:10-17 (E)
Read literally, this is a scolding oracle directed to Ahaz, warning him that he has tested the patience of God as far as he dares. There would be repercussions, although Israel would be spared from attack by Syria and Ephraim. Somewhere in Israel a child is to be born whose mother will rejoice in a holy event, naming him Emmanuel, which is to mean "God is with us." This child will eventually lead Israel out of her darkness.
Bible scholars may wrestle with the question as to whether this prediction referred to a child of the time. One contention is that to predict such a child 700 years hence would not suffice as a warning to Ahaz. Other scholars are willing to consider this a genuine anticipation of a future saving event, the birth of the true Messiah. Such debates are important for the scholarly preacher wishing to understand Old Testament history. But for us, the preachers to those who hunger and thirst along with us, what matters is that Isaiah's words came to pass. The child was born, and in that child was the evidence of God's presence.
Lesson 2: Romans 1:1-7 (C, RC, E)
Paul, writing to the church at Rome which he had yet to visit, wished to do two things. First, he wanted to present his own credentials. He was a "servant" to Christ (perhaps better rendered "slave"). Paul did not represent himself as a man having been given an honor by his calling, but rather as one given a holy mission. He was to serve the Christ whom he called Lord.
Secondly, Paul wanted to indicate the essence of his message at the outset. There would be two emphases: One was the incarnation. Jesus was a man who experienced life as we must do, yet who remained faithful to the spirit of holiness. Second, he would emphasize the resurrection from the dead, as evidence of the grace which all would receive who "are called to belong to Jesus Christ." That, of course, included everyone. And Paul himself acknowledged that he had received this grace.
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 (C, E); Matthew 1:18-24 (RC)
It would be a rare preacher who would wish to preach about the problems presented by this passage exegetically. We realize the word which Matthew translated to mean "virgin" was actually a word which translates "maiden," a young woman of marriageable age as used in the original Isaiah manuscript which Matthew was quoting. My seminary colleagues, when asked by parishioners in a student charge what they thought about the virgin birth, would answer, "I believe as Saint Paul did." That, of course, begs the question since Paul never mentioned the idea. Neither, in fact, did any of the biblical writers except Matthew and Luke, both of whom wrote at about the same time.
Many early mythic figures were believed to have been born to virgin mothers, and such credentials were helpful for those who would present their own deity for consideration to a sophisticated audience. Since this is one of those faith questions, each of us must make our own decision as to the literal veracity of this report. On the one hand, both Mark and John had very high Christologies without apparently having heard the idea. On the other hand, I heard a distinguished Bible scholar put the question to rest for some of us by observing: "I don't know whether God did it this way or not, but I believe if he wanted to he could have."
However the preacher may believe about the virgin birth idea, it's clear that something wondrous happened that day, something so unique and miraculous as to change the world. That's the point of our message.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Love Revealed"
Text: Isaiah 7:10-16
Theme: I once bought a paperback book titled The ABCs of Relativity. I had heard that Albert Einstein's renowned theory was understood by only a very few brilliant people, so I thought I might look good to my parishioners if I showed some knowledge of the theory. In fact, I became hopelessly lost in the preface and got no further. It did one thing for me, however. It left me impressed with the profound brilliance of Albert Einstein. I was really impressed some time later, however, to learn that Einstein believed in God and once said, "I believe in God, am awestruck by God, but I am totally unable to explain God."
That's how I often feel. Many of the Advent texts are filled with poetic imagery and one hardly knows where imagery stops and literal reports begin. I suspect the honest preacher must struggle at times with similar uncertainties. But it's when I survey my own life, and remember the stories told to me by others, that I am reminded that behind all the figures of speech and the hyperbole and the occasional unlikely claim are the most important truths of all. Setting aside my own uncertainties, and with respect for those who may believe differently than I do, I suggest the four truths of which I am certain.
First, I believe that God loves each of us with a love that always forgives (e.g., Luke's story of the lost boy). The word is "grace." It carries with it the promise of the resurrection.
Second, I believe God understands and sympathizes with us in our troubles and struggles, because he shared them for a while.
Third, I believe we are to sing the song of Christ to the rest of the world. We are to witness to our faith, not so much with our lips but with our lives.
Fourth, I believe God accepts and loves us in our individuality. (E.g., the story of the "rich young ruler." When the young man walked away, Jesus let him go. He respected the young man's right to make his own choice.)
Title: "Servants Of Christ"
Text: Romans 1:1-7
Theme: Paul, in referring to himself as a servant of Christ, sets the tone of Christian witness. Servanthood, however, need not be obsequious. It might be good to present Paul, the man of action. The eleventh chapter of Second Corinthians lists some of Paul's adventures. The first chapter refers to his obviously painful disability. In the face of all his troubles, Paul remained true to his calling.
It will never be easy to be a Christian. Few of us will ever face the physical hardship Paul had to face, but there are other hardships in this world. Standing up for what one believes can be one. Being loving to someone you don't like is another. Going out of one's way to help someone when that begins to become expensive and time-consuming is still another. All of us can think of hardships which are inherent in discipleship. This, though, is what Paul did and calls us to do.
Title: "Love Came Down At Christmas"
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Theme: The story of Joseph and Mary is dear to all Christian hearts. The literal historicity of the virgin birth is not a matter of general agreement, even among the most devout Christians. Most mainstream Protestants tend to embrace the story uncritically and celebrate the nativity of Jesus through the Christmas season. If pressed to declare their private views about the matter historically, most would have to admit they avoid any very critical considerations. For us preachers, we can't ignore the absence of any mention of a virgin birth throughout the Bible, other than this report by Matthew and a similar report by Luke. Speaking for myself, it really doesn't matter. If, by some remarkable stroke of research, someone were to discover irrefutable proof either that the story is literally true or that it is not true, either way, it would have no effect on my faith. What I do believe is that a child was born who was unique, one whom God chose as his emissary to reveal the nature of the Divine and that that nature is total love. He is my Lord.
Sermonically, I would affirm three truths as revealed in this passage:
First, God revealed himself in Jesus. Someone has rightly said that the Old Testament is the history of humankind's search for God; the New Testament is the history of God's search for us. Since everything else seemed to fail, God came in person, as it were, to deliver the message. He withheld his power and revealed only his love.
Second, God revealed his righteousness in the purity of Mary. Accepting that story at face value, we see that everything that's good and kind and decent and honorable is implicit in God. Christ's first demand upon us is the excellent life. Since we all fall short of that, forgiveness and renewed chances are part of the Christ story. But the objective, the goal we seek, is a righteous life.
Third, we are promised communication with God as part of life. The angel is symbolic of this. Thereafter, prayer would become an indispensable part of the Christian life. We soon would learn that when we talk to God, God responds.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
When Dietrich Bonhoeffer was in prison at Flossenburg concentration camp prior to his execution near the end of World War II, it is said he was assigned a new guard every few days. Although they were the enemy, and Bonhoeffer knew he would die, he showed such kindness and charity toward his guards that he won them over and new ones had to be assigned. When he was finally executed, a fellow prisoner who survived said Bonhoeffer's last words as he walked to his death were: "When God calls a man, he bids him come and die." (That is witnessing.)
____________
In 1913, a prisoner named Thomas Brown was placed in a New York state prison. Accused of a violent crime, he made friends with other inmates and soon was accepted as part of the prison environment. However, one day prisoner Brown disappeared. For a time, other inmates wondered and speculated about the man's absence. But as time went on, they slowly forgot him. Then one day a prisoner was reading a New York City newspaper and was amazed to see Thomas Brown's picture on the front page. However, his name was actually Thomas Mott Osborne, Commissioner of the New York prison system. He had been appointed months before by the governor of New York to reform a system notoriously inhumane. He had arranged to be placed in a prison so he could learn firsthand what abuses needed to be changed. As a result, widespread abuses were corrected and a more humane approach to incarceration resulted ... because one man was willing to experience life as the people he was called to help knew it.
____________
Fritz Kreisler, one of the world's greatest violinists, told of hearing a violin used in a concert, and so beautiful were its sounds he decided to try to purchase it. However, it was sold to a collector in England and placed in a museum. Kreisler offered to buy the violin at any reasonable price, but the owner said, "No, it belongs here in the museum where everyone can come and see its beauty." Kreisler became so enamored of the violin, however, that he asked if he could at least come to the museum and play the instrument. The owner agreed, and a small group of musicians gathered to hear Kreisler play. The near-perfect instrument was removed from the case and, after tuning it, Kreisler began to play. He later said, "I played like a prisoner playing for a ransom." The room was filled with the glorious sounds of a musical virtuoso playing a splendid violin. When he was done, there was silence for several moments. Then the owner of the violin spoke. "Mr. Kreisler," he said, "I will not sell you this violin. But I will give it to you. Money doesn't matter to me. But what I have just heard convinces me that this violin must not merely be seen by many, it must be heard by many. Take it and play." So with the Christian faith, the song of Christ.
____________
Many years ago a painting destined to become famous was unveiled in St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Titled Christ at Heart's Door, it showed Jesus carrying a lamp, knocking at the door of a humble peasant's cottage. When the masterpiece was unveiled, a bystander is said to have approached the artist and observed, "Sir, you have forgotten something." When the artist asked what that might be, the critic said, "You failed to put a handle on the door." "But you see," replied the artist, "that's the point. The Heart's door can only be opened from within."
____________
The great preacher J. Wallace Hamilton included this poem in one of his fine books:
"What humbles me to the dust and
Bows down my soul with awe and adoration,
Is that the mighty God in whose hands
Is all power in heaven and earth,
Who might, if he were less great,
By overwhelming will
Break down my will,
Comes rather to my heart's door, and
Stops there to knock."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (C) -- A psalm of deliverance from enemies of the nation.
Psalm 23 (RC) -- God's guidance is assured.
Psalm 24 (E) -- The entrance of the King of Glory.
Prayer Of The Day
Oh, God, what wondrous events are upon us. How exciting the prospect of this miracle which befalls us, which transforms us, empowers us, and makes us new people. How great the day which soon will break.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 7:10-16 (C); Isaiah 7:10-14 (RC); Isaiah 7:10-17 (E)
Read literally, this is a scolding oracle directed to Ahaz, warning him that he has tested the patience of God as far as he dares. There would be repercussions, although Israel would be spared from attack by Syria and Ephraim. Somewhere in Israel a child is to be born whose mother will rejoice in a holy event, naming him Emmanuel, which is to mean "God is with us." This child will eventually lead Israel out of her darkness.
Bible scholars may wrestle with the question as to whether this prediction referred to a child of the time. One contention is that to predict such a child 700 years hence would not suffice as a warning to Ahaz. Other scholars are willing to consider this a genuine anticipation of a future saving event, the birth of the true Messiah. Such debates are important for the scholarly preacher wishing to understand Old Testament history. But for us, the preachers to those who hunger and thirst along with us, what matters is that Isaiah's words came to pass. The child was born, and in that child was the evidence of God's presence.
Lesson 2: Romans 1:1-7 (C, RC, E)
Paul, writing to the church at Rome which he had yet to visit, wished to do two things. First, he wanted to present his own credentials. He was a "servant" to Christ (perhaps better rendered "slave"). Paul did not represent himself as a man having been given an honor by his calling, but rather as one given a holy mission. He was to serve the Christ whom he called Lord.
Secondly, Paul wanted to indicate the essence of his message at the outset. There would be two emphases: One was the incarnation. Jesus was a man who experienced life as we must do, yet who remained faithful to the spirit of holiness. Second, he would emphasize the resurrection from the dead, as evidence of the grace which all would receive who "are called to belong to Jesus Christ." That, of course, included everyone. And Paul himself acknowledged that he had received this grace.
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 (C, E); Matthew 1:18-24 (RC)
It would be a rare preacher who would wish to preach about the problems presented by this passage exegetically. We realize the word which Matthew translated to mean "virgin" was actually a word which translates "maiden," a young woman of marriageable age as used in the original Isaiah manuscript which Matthew was quoting. My seminary colleagues, when asked by parishioners in a student charge what they thought about the virgin birth, would answer, "I believe as Saint Paul did." That, of course, begs the question since Paul never mentioned the idea. Neither, in fact, did any of the biblical writers except Matthew and Luke, both of whom wrote at about the same time.
Many early mythic figures were believed to have been born to virgin mothers, and such credentials were helpful for those who would present their own deity for consideration to a sophisticated audience. Since this is one of those faith questions, each of us must make our own decision as to the literal veracity of this report. On the one hand, both Mark and John had very high Christologies without apparently having heard the idea. On the other hand, I heard a distinguished Bible scholar put the question to rest for some of us by observing: "I don't know whether God did it this way or not, but I believe if he wanted to he could have."
However the preacher may believe about the virgin birth idea, it's clear that something wondrous happened that day, something so unique and miraculous as to change the world. That's the point of our message.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Love Revealed"
Text: Isaiah 7:10-16
Theme: I once bought a paperback book titled The ABCs of Relativity. I had heard that Albert Einstein's renowned theory was understood by only a very few brilliant people, so I thought I might look good to my parishioners if I showed some knowledge of the theory. In fact, I became hopelessly lost in the preface and got no further. It did one thing for me, however. It left me impressed with the profound brilliance of Albert Einstein. I was really impressed some time later, however, to learn that Einstein believed in God and once said, "I believe in God, am awestruck by God, but I am totally unable to explain God."
That's how I often feel. Many of the Advent texts are filled with poetic imagery and one hardly knows where imagery stops and literal reports begin. I suspect the honest preacher must struggle at times with similar uncertainties. But it's when I survey my own life, and remember the stories told to me by others, that I am reminded that behind all the figures of speech and the hyperbole and the occasional unlikely claim are the most important truths of all. Setting aside my own uncertainties, and with respect for those who may believe differently than I do, I suggest the four truths of which I am certain.
First, I believe that God loves each of us with a love that always forgives (e.g., Luke's story of the lost boy). The word is "grace." It carries with it the promise of the resurrection.
Second, I believe God understands and sympathizes with us in our troubles and struggles, because he shared them for a while.
Third, I believe we are to sing the song of Christ to the rest of the world. We are to witness to our faith, not so much with our lips but with our lives.
Fourth, I believe God accepts and loves us in our individuality. (E.g., the story of the "rich young ruler." When the young man walked away, Jesus let him go. He respected the young man's right to make his own choice.)
Title: "Servants Of Christ"
Text: Romans 1:1-7
Theme: Paul, in referring to himself as a servant of Christ, sets the tone of Christian witness. Servanthood, however, need not be obsequious. It might be good to present Paul, the man of action. The eleventh chapter of Second Corinthians lists some of Paul's adventures. The first chapter refers to his obviously painful disability. In the face of all his troubles, Paul remained true to his calling.
It will never be easy to be a Christian. Few of us will ever face the physical hardship Paul had to face, but there are other hardships in this world. Standing up for what one believes can be one. Being loving to someone you don't like is another. Going out of one's way to help someone when that begins to become expensive and time-consuming is still another. All of us can think of hardships which are inherent in discipleship. This, though, is what Paul did and calls us to do.
Title: "Love Came Down At Christmas"
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Theme: The story of Joseph and Mary is dear to all Christian hearts. The literal historicity of the virgin birth is not a matter of general agreement, even among the most devout Christians. Most mainstream Protestants tend to embrace the story uncritically and celebrate the nativity of Jesus through the Christmas season. If pressed to declare their private views about the matter historically, most would have to admit they avoid any very critical considerations. For us preachers, we can't ignore the absence of any mention of a virgin birth throughout the Bible, other than this report by Matthew and a similar report by Luke. Speaking for myself, it really doesn't matter. If, by some remarkable stroke of research, someone were to discover irrefutable proof either that the story is literally true or that it is not true, either way, it would have no effect on my faith. What I do believe is that a child was born who was unique, one whom God chose as his emissary to reveal the nature of the Divine and that that nature is total love. He is my Lord.
Sermonically, I would affirm three truths as revealed in this passage:
First, God revealed himself in Jesus. Someone has rightly said that the Old Testament is the history of humankind's search for God; the New Testament is the history of God's search for us. Since everything else seemed to fail, God came in person, as it were, to deliver the message. He withheld his power and revealed only his love.
Second, God revealed his righteousness in the purity of Mary. Accepting that story at face value, we see that everything that's good and kind and decent and honorable is implicit in God. Christ's first demand upon us is the excellent life. Since we all fall short of that, forgiveness and renewed chances are part of the Christ story. But the objective, the goal we seek, is a righteous life.
Third, we are promised communication with God as part of life. The angel is symbolic of this. Thereafter, prayer would become an indispensable part of the Christian life. We soon would learn that when we talk to God, God responds.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
When Dietrich Bonhoeffer was in prison at Flossenburg concentration camp prior to his execution near the end of World War II, it is said he was assigned a new guard every few days. Although they were the enemy, and Bonhoeffer knew he would die, he showed such kindness and charity toward his guards that he won them over and new ones had to be assigned. When he was finally executed, a fellow prisoner who survived said Bonhoeffer's last words as he walked to his death were: "When God calls a man, he bids him come and die." (That is witnessing.)
____________
In 1913, a prisoner named Thomas Brown was placed in a New York state prison. Accused of a violent crime, he made friends with other inmates and soon was accepted as part of the prison environment. However, one day prisoner Brown disappeared. For a time, other inmates wondered and speculated about the man's absence. But as time went on, they slowly forgot him. Then one day a prisoner was reading a New York City newspaper and was amazed to see Thomas Brown's picture on the front page. However, his name was actually Thomas Mott Osborne, Commissioner of the New York prison system. He had been appointed months before by the governor of New York to reform a system notoriously inhumane. He had arranged to be placed in a prison so he could learn firsthand what abuses needed to be changed. As a result, widespread abuses were corrected and a more humane approach to incarceration resulted ... because one man was willing to experience life as the people he was called to help knew it.
____________
Fritz Kreisler, one of the world's greatest violinists, told of hearing a violin used in a concert, and so beautiful were its sounds he decided to try to purchase it. However, it was sold to a collector in England and placed in a museum. Kreisler offered to buy the violin at any reasonable price, but the owner said, "No, it belongs here in the museum where everyone can come and see its beauty." Kreisler became so enamored of the violin, however, that he asked if he could at least come to the museum and play the instrument. The owner agreed, and a small group of musicians gathered to hear Kreisler play. The near-perfect instrument was removed from the case and, after tuning it, Kreisler began to play. He later said, "I played like a prisoner playing for a ransom." The room was filled with the glorious sounds of a musical virtuoso playing a splendid violin. When he was done, there was silence for several moments. Then the owner of the violin spoke. "Mr. Kreisler," he said, "I will not sell you this violin. But I will give it to you. Money doesn't matter to me. But what I have just heard convinces me that this violin must not merely be seen by many, it must be heard by many. Take it and play." So with the Christian faith, the song of Christ.
____________
Many years ago a painting destined to become famous was unveiled in St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Titled Christ at Heart's Door, it showed Jesus carrying a lamp, knocking at the door of a humble peasant's cottage. When the masterpiece was unveiled, a bystander is said to have approached the artist and observed, "Sir, you have forgotten something." When the artist asked what that might be, the critic said, "You failed to put a handle on the door." "But you see," replied the artist, "that's the point. The Heart's door can only be opened from within."
____________
The great preacher J. Wallace Hamilton included this poem in one of his fine books:
"What humbles me to the dust and
Bows down my soul with awe and adoration,
Is that the mighty God in whose hands
Is all power in heaven and earth,
Who might, if he were less great,
By overwhelming will
Break down my will,
Comes rather to my heart's door, and
Stops there to knock."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (C) -- A psalm of deliverance from enemies of the nation.
Psalm 23 (RC) -- God's guidance is assured.
Psalm 24 (E) -- The entrance of the King of Glory.
Prayer Of The Day
Oh, God, what wondrous events are upon us. How exciting the prospect of this miracle which befalls us, which transforms us, empowers us, and makes us new people. How great the day which soon will break.
