This Advent sermon explores Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth as a profound invitation to spiritual wakefulness, discernment, and trust in God’s unexpected work. Although the passage appears to be a Christmas reading, the message centers on Advent themes: staying awake, preparing our hearts, and recognizing the divine presence in daily life. The Rev. Theresa Newell highlights how Matthew, writing decades after Jesus’ resurrection, weaves an overture of themes that will unfold throughout the Gospel—scandal, divine intervention, misunderstanding, and ultimately the promise of “God with us.”

At the heart of the message is Joseph, whose quiet courage and spiritual attentiveness model what it means to seek God’s light in dark and confusing moments. Faced with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy and the emotional turmoil it must have caused, Joseph refuses to act from anger or fear. Instead, he pauses, reflects, and listens. His righteousness is revealed not in rigid legalism but in compassion, humility, and openness to God’s guidance. Because Joseph has cultivated a life of prayer and repentance—continually turning toward God—he is able to recognize the angel’s message, trust it, and act on it.

The sermon calls listeners to embrace Joseph’s Advent posture: staying awake to the Holy Spirit’s nudges, practicing discernment, and preparing room for God’s presence in everyday life. With practice, prayer, and openness, we too can receive divine guidance, live into our calling, and become people who reflect God’s love in the world.

This sermon was preached on the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2025, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington.

All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer:

✅All races.

✅All religions.

✅All countries of origin.

✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.

✅All genders.

Joseph’s Story & Discernment

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In the Gospel reflection, Jesus asks, “What did the people go out into the wilderness to see?” The crowds were not searching for a reed swayed by the wind or a figure of wealth and status. Instead, they sought truth, healing, and wholeness. Drawn by a deep awareness of brokenness—both personal and societal—the people went to hear John the Baptist, who called them to self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the coming of Christ.

John’s message was not one of comfort or convenience but of transformation. He urged people to confront their shadow selves, the hidden parts of their identity suppressed by fear or societal judgment. By opening their hearts to God’s forgiveness and grace, they could experience reconciliation and renewal. John pointed beyond himself to Jesus, the one who would baptize with fire and the Spirit, bringing restoration to individuals and justice to communities.

This call resonates today. Just as the first-century crowds longed for wholeness, modern society struggles with division, inequality, and repression of authentic identity. Yet God declares all creation good—our emotions, gifts, and differences are essential to the flourishing of the whole. Jesus’ ministry demonstrates the fruits of the Spirit: healing, harmony, and good news for the poor.

The wilderness journey reminds us that true wholeness comes not from power or approval but from opening ourselves to God’s Spirit. In Christ, brokenness is healed, communities are reconciled, and the fullness of God’s goodness is revealed again and again.

This sermon was preached on the 3rd Sunday of Advent (Year A), December 14, 2025, by the Rev. Theresa Newell, Priest in Charge, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington.

All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer:
✅All races.
✅All religions.
✅All countries of origin.
✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.
✅All genders.

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This Advent sermon explores the powerful contrast between the season’s hopeful biblical visions and the urgent call to repentance proclaimed by John the Baptist. While readings from Isaiah, Psalms, and Romans describe a world transformed by divine wisdom, peace, and harmony—wherevulnerability disappears and enemies dwell together—John’s bold cry from the wilderness interrupts with a challenging message: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” The sermon explains how Matthew portrays John as a prophetic truth-teller in the lineage of Elijah, a figure whose life symbolizes divine disruption, openness, and transformation. Through images of locusts, honey, and fire, John represents the spiritual turning required for entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

The message emphasizes repentance not as guilt-drivenreflection but as ongoing inner conversion—a softening of the heart and awakening to God’s Spirit. Drawing on biblical symbolism, the sermon describes the heart as the meeting place with God, capable of being hardened, open, or set aflame. True repentance requires self-examination, honesty, and the courage to release fear, shame, cultural expectations, and the “inner critic” that obscures one’s authentic self. John exposes false spiritual security, urging listeners to abandon masks, rigidity, and avoidance in favor of openness to God’s transformative presence.

Ultimately, the sermon points to Christ as the one whobaptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, separating the life-giving fruit within us from the chaff of fear and illusion. By opening our hearts, embracing repentance, and aligning with the Spirit’s movement, we prepare the way for God’s reign and allow our hearts to be set ablaze with divine love. Amen and alleluia.

All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer:
✅All races.
✅All religions.
✅All countries of origin.
✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.
✅All genders.

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