Join us this Advent season as we spend Christmas at the homes of Mark, Matthew, Luke, John and Paul, learning from each their unique perspective on the inbreaking of Christ into our world.

Like Mark, John’s house doesn’t have a nativity or any other traditional decorations, though I imagine it might look a lot like our Christmas Eve Candlelight services as the light shines in the darkness. For John, it’s not enough that Jesus is Israel’s Messiah or even the Savior of the World. Jesus is the fullness of the Word that spoke light into the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Jesus embodies the Word of Life that spoke all of creation into existence. John takes seriously the words of the Psalmist who writes, “The heavens declare the majesty of God and the skies proclaim the work of God’s hands” (Psalm 19:1).

A short written reflection on this sermon can be found on my blog at: https://www.craigsefa.org/blog/2024/12/15/luke

Podcast Intro recorded by Ariana Sefa

Join us this Advent season as we spend Christmas at the homes of Mark, Matthew, Luke, John and Paul, learning from each their unique perspective on the inbreaking of Christ into our world.

Christmas at Luke’s house is much more familiar to us with the nativity, the angels and the shepherds. It’s the version of the Christmas story we see most in our displays, our Christmas pageants, and songs. But Luke’s Christmas story is about far more than some shepherds and a sweet little baby in a manger. It’s about good news of great joy for ALL people. It’s about the truth that “You are loved AND so are they.” Let us reflect on what this truth means for us and our call to share the good news of Jesus with everyone this week.

A short written reflection on this sermon can be found on my blog at: https://www.craigsefa.org/blog/2024/12/15/luke

Podcast Intro recorded by Ariana Sefa

Join us this Advent season as we spend Christmas at the homes of Mark, Matthew, Luke, John and Paul, learning from each their unique perspective on the inbreaking of Christ into our world.

Matthew's Christmas is filled with the rich tradition and heritage of God's people, Israel. Through his telling, we are reminded that our faith is a gift an an inheritance that we must cherish and carry forward as we live and proclaim God's faithfulness from generation to generation for all people. May we honor our ancestors in the faith and our adoptive family name in Jesus Christ in all we say and do.

A short written reflection on this sermon can be found on my blog at: https://www.craigsefa.org/blog/2024/12/08/matthew

Podcast Intro recorded by Ariana Sefa