And the Word became flesh” bringing us . . .
Hope
Peace
Joy
Love
(John 1:14)
Join us Sunday mornings during Advent at 8:10am and 10:30am for our Incarnate sermon series.
Incarnate Hope: God is with us. John 1:14 John introduces us to Christ not through the stories of shepherds, magi, Mary and Joseph, but with the cosmic truth that “the Word of God took on human flesh”. No matter what is going on around us, we have hope knowing that God is with us.
Incarnate Peace: God restores us. Luke 1:5-23 & 3:76-79. All the Gospels begin by mentioning the ministry of John the Baptist. In Luke, Zechariah sees a vision of his son one day turning hearts back towards tenderness, minds back to ethical thinking and guiding our footsteps along a path of peace. God’s presence restores us as peace-makers.
Joy in God’s people: Luke 1:39-56, Mary finding herself in a risky position, finds refuge and joy with her Aunt Elizabeth. Safe in Elizabeth’s embrace, Mary finds her voice. These two women will raise children who change the world, joy has that kind of power. No matter what is happening in the world, we can find joy in the image of God within God’s people around us.
Incarnate Love does the right things. Matthew 1:18-24. Joseph finds himself in uncertain circumstances, but chooses to do the right thing. Love (agape) offers redemptive goodwill to all people. Joseph’s ethics provide a safe place for Mary in an uncertain time in her life. Together Mary and Joseph’s courage changes the world through Jesus.