Preacher Paul's Blogs

As we move into the season of Epiphany, we will turn our attention to the familiar yet often misunderstood story of the Magi. In Matthew’s telling, their journey is not quick, simple, or neatly wrapped up with Christmas morning. The Magi follow a light without a map, travel a long and uncertain road, make detours along the way, and arrive to Jesus in his home. Their story reminds us that faith is rarely about having all the answers in advance. It is about trusting God enough to take the next step, even when the destination is unclear. This Sunday’s sermon, Trusting God One Step at a Time , invites us to see our own lives reflected in that journey. Like the Magi, we begin this new year carrying hopes, questions, and uncertainties. God does not promise us perfect directions or a clear timeline, but God does promise light for the road and presence along the way. Epiphany asks whether we are willing to follow that light and to trust that encountering Christ may change the direction we tak...

As we look ahead to worship this Sunday, our focus will be on Luke 2:15–20 and the theme Unexpected Gifts . This familiar scene invites us to notice how God chooses to work through ordinary people in ordinary moments. The shepherds were simply doing their jobs when God revealed something life-changing to them. Their story reminds us that God often meets us not when we are ready or searching, but right where we are, offering grace in ways we did not anticipate. The passage also shows us that God’s gifts are not always fully understood at once. Mary treasures and ponders what she has seen, while the shepherds return to their lives changed, praising God. In both responses, we see that receiving Christ leads to reflection, gratitude, and faithful living. God’s gifts continue to unfold over time, shaping our hearts and calling us to carry what we have received into the world. As you read Luke 2:15–20 this week, consider these questions: Where might God be offering you an unexpected gift r...

This Sunday we will be listening to Mary’s song from Luke 1:46–55, often called the Magnificat. In this passage, Mary gives voice to joy that runs deeper than emotion. She sings because God has drawn near and because promises spoken long ago are now becoming real. Her words remind us that Advent is not only about waiting, but about reunion. Reunion between family members, reunion between hope and fulfillment, and most importantly reunion between God and humanity through the child born in Bethlehem. Mary’s song celebrates the moment when what once felt distant suddenly feels close. At the same time, Mary’s song is not sentimental. It speaks of a reunion that reorders the world. The proud are scattered, the lowly are lifted, the hungry are filled, and mercy stretches from generation to generation. This is the joy of God coming home to God’s people and inviting us home as well. As we move closer to Christmas, this passage asks us to consider how God’s nearness reshapes our lives, our prio...

As we continue our Advent season, this week’s message invites us to reflect on what it means to be on a journey home. Isaiah 9:2–6 speaks to a people walking through deep darkness, unsure of what lies ahead, yet still placing one foot in front of the other. Our upcoming sermon, The Journey, explores how God meets us not at the destination, but right in the midst of our uncertainty. The light of Christ does not wait until we have everything figured out. It shines on us where we are, giving us enough hope and clarity to keep moving forward. My prayer is that this passage reminds you that you are never navigating your path alone. Christ walks beside you, strengthening you, guiding you, and offering the light you need for the next faithful step. Advent is not simply a countdown to Christmas. It is a journey shaped by trust, expectation, and the presence of the One who leads us home. As you prepare your heart this week, consider: Where do you feel the need for Christ’s guiding light right n...

As we continue our Advent journey, this week’s sermon invites us to think about what it truly means to prepare for the coming of Christ. Using Jeremiah 33:14–16, we will explore how God’s promise of a “righteous Branch” calls us to make space in our lives for hope. Just as we clear clutter in our homes before welcoming a guest, we are invited to clear both spiritual and material clutter that distracts us from the heart of the season. Advent is not simply about getting ready for Christmas. It is about preparing a place within ourselves for Christ, who enters quietly yet brings peace, justice, and renewal. We will look together at what it means to set the table of our hearts and welcome the Guest who transforms everything God touches. My hope is that this message helps us slow down, breathe, and remember why we prepare in the first place. Questions to consider this week: What clutter, physical or spiritual, might God be inviting you to clear? Where in your life do you need to create ...

As we begin the season of Advent, our focus this Sunday will be on Isaiah’s beautiful words, “Comfort, O comfort my people.” These verses remind us that Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas. It is God’s invitation to come home. Not simply to a place, but to a renewed relationship with the One who prepares a path for us even in the wilderness. Just as holiday gatherings stir memories of warmth, belonging, and restoration, Isaiah announces that God is drawing near to lift valleys, level mountains, and make a way back to hope for all who feel far away. As you read Isaiah 40:1–6 this week, consider: Where in your life do you most long to “come home” to God? What might it look like to make room for Christ in the wilderness places of your heart?

  As the Advent season begins, we enter a time when God’s people listen for an invitation not just to a place, but to a renewed relationship. This year, our sermon series, “ Home for the Holidays ,” invites us to reflect on what it means for God to call us home during this sacred season. Just as many of us feel the pull to return home during the holidays, Advent stirs our longing for comfort, belonging, restoration, and joy, and reminds us that God is preparing the way back to hope.   • Week 1: “The Invitation Home” (Isaiah 40:1–6) – As Advent begins, we hear God’s gentle invitation home, much like receiving a holiday invitation from someone who loves us. Isaiah reminds us that God calls us back to comfort, hope, and renewal. • Week 2: “Making Preparations” (Jeremiah 33:14–16) – As we prepare our homes for family and friends, Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah. Jeremiah reminds us that God’s promised salvation is drawing near. ...