Advent: Songs of Christmas
December 25 | Online & In-Person
“The Songs of Christmas” | Luke 2:7 | Rev. Barrett Owen
As the story goes, Mary and Joseph travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem due to a census. While there, Mary goes into labor, delivers Jesus, and places him in a manger “because there was no room for them in the inn.” Here’s what strikes me about this phrase: Bethlehem couldn’t make room for the Divine. Granted, they didn’t know he was there, but still, there was no “room in their inn.” Is this still true for us?
ONLINE WORSHIP (ACTIVATES 12.25)
December 18 | Online & In-Person
“The Angels and Shepherds Sing” | Luke 2:1-14 | Rev. Barrett Owen
As soon as the world catches their breath at the birth of Jesus, a chorus of both angels and shepherds sing! Scripture says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors!'” This act of worship demands our attention and our repetition.
ONLINE WORSHIP (ACTIVATES 12.18)
December 11 | Online & In-Person
“Simeon’s Song” | Luke 2:25-35 | Rev. Barrett Owen
A devout man who was told by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and commission the baby Messiah. Simeon arrives on cue, takes Jesus into his arms, and sings to him a song that still reverberates today. His song leads us into worship.
ONLINE WORSHIP (ACTIVATES 12.11)
December 4 | Online & In-Person
“Zechariah’s Song” | Luke 1:67-80 | Rev. Barrett Owen
Zechariah was mute for the pregnancy of John the Baptist for not believing the angel Gabriel when it was prophesied that Elizabeth would bear a son. As soon as John was born, though, Zechariah’s voice returned and he sang these words, “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” We would do well to let this song lead us into worship today.
ONLINE WORSHIP (ACTIVATES 12.4)
November 27 | Online & In-Person
“Mary’s Song” | Luke 1:39-55 | Rev. Barrett Owen
Mary’s song is the gospel before the gospel unfolds. She visits her relative (probably cousin) Elizabeth and announces in song that she will forever magnify the Lord because of this miracle. During her pregnancy, she predicts the gospel before it unfolds. Her words still ring true for us today and leads us into worship.
