Advent, Christmas and Luke 2021
The Second Coming of Jesus
November 28, 2021 • Rev. Adam Feichtmann • Jeremiah 33:14–16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13, Luke 21:25–36
Advent is a time between. This season holds the tension between Jesus’ first advent (coming) and his second. A time that reminds us: things currently are not the way they are supposed to be - but one day they will be. On one hand it is “the most wonderful time of the year,” and on the other hand it is one of the darkest times of year. This Sunday we’ll begin our Advent sermon series by reflecting on Jesus’ second coming. In preparation for our time together, spend 5-10 minutes reading and praying through the following passages: Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, and the Gospel of Luke 21:25-36. I look forward to singing Advent songs with you all this Sunday as we prepare for the joy of Christmas! Pastor Adam
The Advent
December 5, 2021 • Rev. Josh Hahne • Malachi 3:1–4, Isaiah 40:1–11, Luke 3:1–6
PCA minister Tim Keller writes, “Christmas is not simply about a birth but about a coming.” This week we continue to consider the coming of Christ in the gospel of Luke. Like the other gospel authors, Luke begins with John, the son of Zechariah, who we know as John the Baptist. He sought to prepare Israel for the advent of God and declared, “All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Join us this Sunday and together we’ll seek to learn from John the Baptist as well. Pastor Josh
Preparing for Advent
December 12, 2021 • Rev. Josh Hahne • Isaiah 58, Matthew 25:1–13, Luke 3:7–18
Last week we were introduced to John the Baptist. He entered the story of Scripture when times were bleak. God’s people were occupied by foreign enemies, their faith had become sectarian and corrupt, and their prophets had gone silent. John comes with a singular message, the advent of God. This is what John the Baptist proclaimed, but his ministry was also one of preparation, to ready people for the Lord’s arrival. He did so by teaching about repentance, baptism, and the forgiveness of sin. Join us on Sunday and together we’ll learn from John and seek to prepare ourselves as we remember the arrival of God in Jesus Christ. Pastor Josh
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
December 19, 2021 • Rev. Chris Stratton, Steven Cooper • 1 Samuel 2:1–10, Isaiah 11:1–10, Luke 1:26–38
This week both Josh & Adam are out sick, but we are grateful to welcome Rev. Steven Cooper back to Redeemer OC. Steven served as our Associate Pastor under Jim Belcher and was a great blessing to our church family before taking a senior pastoral role in San Diego. In worship we'll be considering the angelic announcement to Mary, that God will use her to save the world. As wondrous as this news is, the Lord's plan will not be easy for Mary. It's almost never easy for us either! Nonetheless, in a triumph of faith and vision, Mary sees herself as a servant of the Lord and is ready to participate in his plan, whatever that may mean. Join us on Sunday to learn more about God's plan, faith in the midst of suffering, and how community makes a difference. Pastor Josh
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2021 • Rev. Adam Feichtmann
Merry Christmas Eve! The advent candles have all been lit and the last door on the advent calendar has been opened. Christmas, in all its glory and joy, is about to burst forth! Join us this evening at 5pm as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with our annual Lessons and Carols service. The service will be an hour or less and is the perfect way to welcome the shift of seasons from Advent to Christmastide. Tonight, Pastor Adam will give a brief meditation on the birth of Christ from Luke 2:1-7, and on Sunday Pastor Josh will continue our Luke sermon series by preaching on Luke 2:22-24, 36-38. A great way to celebrate Christmas - on your own or with family and friends - is to simply read the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Soak in the reality and wonder that God came near to us in the person of Jesus Christ, born in a lowly stable in the little town of Bethlehem. We look forward to worshiping with you tonight and Sunday morning!
Waiting for Redemption
December 26, 2021 • Rev. Josh Hahne • Luke 2:36–38, Isaiah 52:1–10, Luke 2:22–24
Merry Christmas Eve! The advent candles have all been lit and the last door on the advent calendar has been opened. Christmas, in all its glory and joy, is about to burst forth! Join us this evening at 5pm as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with our annual Lessons and Carols service. The service will be an hour or less and is the perfect way to welcome the shift of seasons from Advent to Christmastide. Tonight, Pastor Adam will give a brief meditation on the birth of Christ from Luke 2:1-7, and on Sunday Pastor Josh will continue our Luke sermon series by preaching on Luke 2:22-24, 36-38. A great way to celebrate Christmas - on your own or with family and friends - is to simply read the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Soak in the reality and wonder that God came near to us in the person of Jesus Christ, born in a lowly stable in the little town of Bethlehem. We look forward to worshiping with you tonight and Sunday morning!
After Darkness, Light.
January 2, 2022 • Isaiah 60:1–5, John 1:1–18, Genesis 3:15
“We love stories for countless reasons. Two considerations may be the way they allow us to see the world or the hope they offer us in moments of love, peace, and joy. Stories also help us make sense of the darkness in our lives. That darkness comes in many forms; illness, grief, sorrow, struggle, etc. Christmas is the ultimate story through which our own stories come together as darkness is pushed back and overtaken with light. This Sunday, we will be in the Prologue of John’s Gospel together and ask; how does my story fit into God’s story? First, we will hear the good news that Christmas is for people who find themselves lost in darkness. Then, we will hear of Christ’s coming into the world to be with us and to reverse the curse of that darkness.” Peace Danny Morgan
The Baptism of Jesus
January 9, 2022 • Rev. Josh Hahne • Luke 3:21–22
This Sunday we conclude our series Advent & Christmas in Luke with the baptism of Jesus. It is a short passage but for its size it tells us a shocking amount about Jesus. Join us, and together we’ll listen to the voice from heaven and watch the Spirit move. We’ll also have some baptisms of our own and Three Kings’ Cake! Pastor Josh