“Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and stand before the Son of Man." - Luke 21:25-36 Waiting can be hard at the best of times. Several years ago at Christmas time, you’ll remember that there was the ice-storm. Christmas services across the city were threatened as many people and churches experienced days without power. For many of us, it was a back-and-forth week. Is the power on yet? We knew that the power would … [Read more...]
Good News and Gospel Truth – Dec. 6
“The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” ~ Mark 1:1 What is the most important part of the Advent and Christmas seasons? For some people it is probably all the opportunities to celebrate with family and friends, the exchange of gifts and the delicious food – holidays, after all, is the perfect time to spend with family after all. Others may find it is the familiar music which wafts through the air: the carols and holiday classics that remind us of years past and … [Read more...]
Between Two Worlds – Sermon for Advent 2
“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”- 2 Peter 3:9 I want to begin today with a modern day parable: For the Kingdom of God may be likened to business owner who hired two women who worked as coworkers for many years. When each woman was hired, the owner warned them that the job did not come with a pension, and that one day their retirement would be upon them, advising them to … [Read more...]
Tell Me What You See
“Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another? Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see.” – Matthew 11:3-4 “God is going to restore Israel’s Glory Days”; “God is going to kick out those Roman foreigners who make our lives hell.” “The Messiah is going to come and drain the swamp of political corruption in Jerusalem.” “God is going to Make Israel Great Again!” … [Read more...]
Road to Joy
Today on this third Sunday of Advent we explore what it means for Joy to be at the heart of God's Story. … [Read more...]
Peace Be Upon Us
Peace be with! And also with you. We say these words week-in and week out, but do we live into the Peace of Christ? Do we see the Peace of Christ in the midst of the world we live in? … [Read more...]
Joy to the World?
What is the essence of the Christian faith? As we near the end of this Advent season, as we near the celebration of our Saviour's birth on Christmas, I invite you to explore this question. I hope that this sermon can uplift and challenge you and my prayer is that you might be renewed in God's joy for you in this Christmas season and for evermore. … [Read more...]
What would you do if knew the world were ending tomorrow?
As we begin the Advent season, a season of expectation and waiting, we explore what it means for Jesus to proclaim the end of the world. We explore what Jesus might be saying about himself, and about we who choose to follow him. May you blessed, challenged and engaged. … [Read more...]
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent
If you missed this Sunday's sermon, here it is! It was prepared and preached by Ryan Ramsden, one of our lay leaders at Grace Church. It explores the themes of repentance, hope, and hospitality, as found in this week's readings, and helps us to connect together and connect with those themes as we continue our journey through Advent, and prepare for Christmas. … [Read more...]
A New Year and a New Start with being a Christian
No matter how far you get along in faith, even as a "professional Christian", God seems to invite you, or require you to make new starts again in your relationship. This sermon tells some of my big new starts, and of the new start that began on my retreat into silence last week. … [Read more...]