The Joshua Victor Theory

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. On this 3 rd Sunday in Advent, the theme of the day is “Joy”—marked by the lighting of the pink candle on the wreath, and heard in our Old Testament and Epistle lessons. Joy certainly fits the seasons of Advent and Christmas, as we wait and expect the coming of Jesus. However, many people wonder or fear whether joy can be real, or whether Christians can still have reason to rejoice, when there is so much evil on the loose in this world. The Roman Catholic Pope even made world headlines recently, for preaching after the Paris terror attacks, that this year’s celebration of Christmas would just be a “charade” because of the worldwide war, violence, and hatred that is consuming humanity. Can joy really be authentic and genuine this season, or in the midst of so many troubles, from our world news, down to our national, local, congregational, family, and even personal circumstances? Must the troubles and “bad new...

            Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve—the much anticipated arrival of the birth of the Christ child is almost here. Tomorrow our Christmas carols will joyfully leap from our tongues, as we “come adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord the newborn King.” But while many might already be burning out from an overdose of trite, secular Christmas music, let’s prolong our anticipation one more day, before the full tide of Christian joy and celebration pours out tomorrow and on Christmas Day. Let’s tune our ears in to hear the sacred “hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unending praises” that the Church sings to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Let’s once more hear the voices of the prophets, chanting in one accord, promising the birth of the long-expected Jesus. Today the prophet Micah sings his haunting solo, then blends his voice to sing in tune wit...

Sermon Outline:  1.       This night shepherds came to greet One who would be a shepherd like them. As their dark night flashed into brilliance and joyful sound with the arrival of the angels and their announcement, these shepherds jumped up to run and see a miracle. God’s Son, born into the world, bringing peace and goodwill to men. They would come and find a shepherd par excellence. One who would excel in their profession. Jesus probably never tended the four-legged variety of sheep, but this child was born to shepherd His people Israel, and also others not of that flock (the Gentiles He would later call). 2.       Shepherd needs to be strong and brave to ward off danger and protect the sheep. Strength of His arm against foes, but safety for the lambs gathered in His arms. Like young David fighting off wild bears and lions to protect his flock. Not a weak or timid God. Jesus showed His strength and bravery in a remarkable wa...