“An Orderly Account” - Sermon for December 22, 2019

Back when the Gospel writer Luke was a physician, he might not have had orderlies, but he definitely had an orderly ... account of the good news of Jesus. In this Sunday’s sermon, Rev. Tom leads us into the New Testament with a birth narrative – but John the Baptist’s, not Jesus’. This story of John’s birth sets an orderly foundation of how the Messiah would come to the world to save it. John’s parents – Elizabeth and the priest Zechariah – were elderly, and were not expected to bear a child. But it is in such circumstances that God’s word flourishes. As Rev. Tom describes, in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’ message of peace comes to those who have lost all hope – the poor, the abandoned, the ones who are lost beyond recovery. But all things are possible for God, and in the depths of poverty and loss, there the true light of Jesus’ birth shines.

(Bible reading - Luke 1:1-25, 57-80)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

Family Service - 5 PM (Children’s preludes begin at 4:45 PM). Please note that parking restrictions are in place on Christmas Eve until 6:30 PM on Charlcote Road on the west side of the church, and on the northbound lane of St. Paul Street. Don’t get ticketed or towed!

A Service of Lessons & Carols - 8 PM.

A Service of Christmas, Communion & Candlelight - 11 PM.

Holiday Worship Schedule

December 29 - 10 AM. Single worship service in the Sanctuary - 5th Sunday Mission Day. During worship you will receive a t-shirt with easy instructions to turn it into a reusable bag at home. Bring the bag back to church full of non-perishable foods for CARES on Epiphany Sunday, January 5.

January 5 - 10 AM. Single worship service in the Sanctuary.

Serving Breakfast at Manna House

January 5, 7:45 AM to 10:30 AM. 435 E 25th Street, Baltimore. We need 5 to 6 volunteers to serve breakfast to homeless men and women at Manna House. Email Rev. Jenn DiFrancesco at [email protected].

Guitar by Olivier Hecho