Author: Pastor Smith
Learn of God’s Own Son
Text: John 2:1-11 We all get invited to weddings. I’ve attended them as a guest. Officiated at some. Got to do my daughter Katie’s wedding last July. And of course there was my own. I’ve been to churches, to vineyards, backyards, Malibu beach, big halls, town squares. Some of those weddings were big with many guests. Others have been very small. I […]
The Epiphany Star
Text: Matthew 2: 1-12 This is a special day for the Eastern Orthodox churches. This weekend is their Christmas celebration. Why? Just to be different from the West? No. They time their celebration with the visit of the Magi. For good reason. Think about it. Most of us are Gentiles. We are not Jews descended of Abraham. But think of […]
What’s the Good Word for Christmas?
Text: John 1:1-14 The prophet Isaiah painted a curious picture: 7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, (Is 52) Think about that picture for a moment. For those watching and waiting and hoping for good news, even the worn and smelly feet of the messenger are a welcome sight. And when we […]
How God Must Love You
Text: Luke 2: 8-14 Sometimes we don’t think of it till later. At first, it might not occur to us. My dad wasn’t big on saying I love you. In fact, the only time I can remember is right before he died. My dad showed you his love. He did stuff. He got down on the cold garage floor and […]
A Voice Calls Out From the Desert
Text: Luke 3: 1-6 He shows up this time each year. It might seem kind of confusing. Here we are a few weeks from celebrating our Savior’s birth and this man named John shows up. It doesn’t seem like he belongs. Soon we’ll put up our manger scene. Mary, Joseph, the Child, We think of shepherds. But we won’t have […]