Advent at Union Chapel
The Wonder of a Manger
December 25, 2022 • Gregg Parris • Luke 2:1–16
Luke 2:1-16 I. An Unlikely Crib It is rather startling that the completely omniscient, self-sufficient God that owns everything and needs nothing would seek for something, and that something would be us! He left His Father’s throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!) emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me! “And Can It Be that I Should Gain” Charles Wesley II. A Quiet Invasion III. A Divine Plan Jesus demonstrated to us that true greatness comes not by exalting yourself but by serving others. And he brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
The Wonder of a Promise
December 18, 2022 • Gregg Parris • Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 I. A promise you receive. (You are never alone) II. A promise you share. Matthew 1:23 Why were confused, hurting and lost people drawn to Jesus? Because when everyone looked down and pushed such people away, Jesus pulled them close to Himself. He wanted to be with them. How can we be with the people we are trying to reach? a. Seek to understand them. b. We must remember our own stories. c. We must care about others’ stories. Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14
The Wonder of a Name
December 11, 2022 • Gregg Parris • Luke 2:10–11, John 3:17, John 1:9–13, Matthew 1:18–25
Matthew 1:18-25 I. A Special Name The combination of Jehovah and Hoshea made the name Joshua, translated means Jesus (The Lord of Salvation or God saves!) II. A Name that Saves You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 The notion of sin doesn’t fly well in a society that so often denies personal responsibility and believes nothing is truly wrong if it makes you feel good. III. A New Name The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:9-13 Will you receive? Will you believe? Multitudes from every age, nation, and tongue have already done this. They know what His name means for them personally: Jesus…God saves!
The Wonder of a Star
December 4, 2022 • Gregg Parris • Psalm 8:4, Matthew 2:1–12, Psalm 42:7, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:11–12
Matthew 2:1-12 I. The Eyes to See Psalm 8:4; Matthew 8:2; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 2:2 Deep calls to deep. Psalm 42:7 The wise men were wise because they did not allow their souls to be anesthetized by possessions and success. II. The Courage to Follow Matthew 2:3 For to us a child is born, To us a child is given, And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 Often, we allow busyness with matters that are temporal to keep us from seeking the eternal. III. The Humility to Worship On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11a He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:11-12