God-Bearer: Advent 2023

Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church

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God-Bearer: Advent 2023

Mary Theotokos

December 17, 2023 • Pastor David Hansen • Luke 1:26–38, Romans 8

Like expectant mothers all over the world, Mary brings life into the world as she gives birth to Jesus. With Mother Mary, we learn to see God as a pregnant mother - a life giver - who calls us to groan with all of creation as something new is brought into this world.

Holy Families - Advent 2023

December 10, 2023 • Pastor David Hansen • Romans 8:14–17, Ruth 1:11–19, John 19:16–19, John 19:25–27

In this season of families and togetherness, what can the story of Mary teach us about the families that we choose? Readings: John 19, Ruth 1, Romans 8

Mother of Joy - Advent 2023

December 3, 2023 • Pastor David Hansen • Psalm 65:7–13, John 2:1–11, Ezra 3:10–13

The Advent season calls us to joy - but (as we see in Mary) - it is a complicated joy. We hear from Ezra that there are times when our joy and our weeping are so intermingled that it is impossible to tell them apart. Learn from Mary, the Mother of Joy what it means for us to have real joy in the midst of the brokenness of the world.

Mary the Prophet - Advent 2023

November 26, 2023 • Pastor David Hansen • Micah 4:1–4, Luke 1:46–56, Isaiah 40:1–5

Beginning the Season of Advent and our series on Mary the God-bearer, we first encounter Mary as a Prophet. In the Magnificat, Mary sings both the praise of God and a challenge for us today.