Advent Joy and the Patience of Faith

A sermon by Father Stuart Bates delivered on the third Sunday of Advent, often called the Sunday of Joy. Father Bates uses this day, which commemorates moving closer to celebrating Christ's nativity, as an opportunity to discuss the paradoxical necessity of preparing for the day of judgment. Drawing heavily on the teachings of the Apostles James, Peter, and Paul, the sermon focuses on developing a mindset of patience, perseverance, and deep trust in God's mysterious plan, particularly during times of suffering and trial. He emphasizes that enduring afflictions is a process that purifies and matures believers, preparing them to meet Christ, and concludes with three key phrases for surrendering to God's will: "Oh Lord, as you will and as you know, have mercy," "Thy will be done," and "May it be blessed." Ultimately, the message stresses that active patience through prayer and conscious effort is required to prepare the heart for the Lord's return.

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From Noise to Presence: A Countercultural Advent

The sermon, delivered during the second week of Advent, outlines the challenges of maintaining spiritual focus when the holy season is overwhelmed by the consumer noise and distraction of modern culture, often termed the "Christmas creep." Rev. Katie Gould contrasts the world's demands for hurried action and constant purchasing with God's desire for patient, focused presence and contemplation. Central to this call is the urgent command of John the Baptist, which requires fundamental repentance (metanoia), defined as a complete reorientation of attention away from self-interest and toward God. This spiritual turning allows the community to receive the Spirit and begin living out the vision of the peaceable kingdom prophesied by Isaiah, where justice and harmony prevail. Ultimately, the message urges listeners to resist the lure of instant gratification and make room for God’s sacred presence by focusing on intentional living and loving unity with one another.

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Armor of Light: Holding Advent's Tension

This sermon by Mother Emily Hylden begins by exploring the disorienting experience of time and reality shifting, drawing a comparison between the loss of predictable seasonal changes in Texas and the spiritual demands of Advent. The message then challenges the common notion of light as merely an exposing force, presenting scriptural references that define it instead as protective armor and saving grace. A significant portion of the reflection addresses the necessary tension between the festive "already" of Christ's first coming and the reflective "not yet" of anticipating his return. The speaker urges the congregation to resist the temptation toward rigid, self-righteous rules, opting instead for a path of attentive sobriety and generosity that holds quiet reflection alongside busy engagement. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to stay awake in the midst of life’s turmoil, clinging to the promise of God’s perfect time rather than relying on conventional worldly measures.

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