Speaker: Pastor Will Starkweather

Sermon at Nazareth: Sermon at Nazareth (Isaiah fulfilled, Elijah and widow, Elisha and Naaman).

Jesus’ Baptism – John baptizes, bear fruit worthy of repentance, share what you have.

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.

A special Sunday full of coziness, Christmas hymns, and a special Christmas message!

Birth of Jesus: Jesus is born

Birth of Jesus: Jesus is born

Jesus’ Birth Announced: Announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary; he will receive the throne of David.

While Advent is a season of hope and Christmas is a season of joy, not everyone feels hopeful or like celebrating. Grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment, and loss are magnified. Even those who are not struggling with losses may feel the stress of preparations and expectations around Christmas time. We come together for Blue Christmas seeking healing and room to share grief, sadness, loneliness, or confusion when these emotions often feel out of place during the holidays. On this longest night of the year, we come with our honest yearnings seeking the return of light and hope.

Pastor Will speaks on the name “Everlasting Father” for Jesus pulled from Isaiah 9:6-7.