TOPIC INDEXAdvent (20)

  1. Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 (Advent 2: Series B)

    book
    11/29/20
    10 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    Mark makes no effort to impress listeners or win votes. His voice aims only to prepare those who hear it for the coming of the Lord.

  2. Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 (Advent 4: Series A)

    book
    12/16/19
    9 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    Unlike Luke, who provides most of the parts for the children’s program (the shepherds, the angel hosts, the innkeeper, and the animals), Matthew’s version is rated “M” for mature.

  3. Gospel: Matthew 11:2-15 (Advent 3: Series A)

    book
    12/09/19
    9 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    There he sat, awaiting his executioner. John looked around at what God and His Messiah were not doing, and even the greatest among those born of woman had his doubts. “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

  4. Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 (Advent 2: Series A)

    book
    12/02/19
    9 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    The problem is not that we are unrepentant. The problem is our contrition is too small.

  5. Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44 (Advent 1: Series A)

    book
    11/25/19
    9 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    In the middle of [Jesus'] eschatological discourse, as He answers the disciples’ question about the end of the age, Jesus ushers in Noah. But what does Noah have to do with Advent?

  6. Gospel: Luke 1:39-55 (Advent 4: Series C)

    book
    12/16/18
    11 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    It is the day before Christmas Eve. The trappings have taken their toll. Despite your valiant attempts to hold the Advent line, members of your congregation (and perhaps you, too) have grown weary of the Christmas season. One of the primary culprits, of course, is the ubiquitous Christmas playlist.

  7. Gospel: Luke 7:18-28 (Advent 3: Series C)

    book
    12/09/18
    9 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    It is a question that emerges from deep inside. It comes from mounting fears, nagging doubts, and unsettling uncertainties. It is the question asked by one who can no longer pretend that things will work out nicely and neatly. All thinking Christians face this question at some point, but few have the courage to give it voice.

  8. Gospel: Luke 3:1-20 (Advent 2: Series C)

    book
    12/02/18
    11 mins
    By Peter Nafzger
    For the next three Sundays, the Gospel readings put John the Baptist in the spotlight. This week it is his proclamation.