Lectionary Discussion for Dec 21, 2008

We are almost there, if you can just hang in there, we will all make it together.
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday in Advent:
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16Luke 1:47-55 (UMH 199)Romans 16:25-27Luke 1:26-38

And then you turn around and have Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7Psalm 96 (UMH 815)Titus 2:11-14Luke 2:1-20

And then you turn around and have
December 28, 2008First Sunday after Christmas DayIsaiah 61:10-62:3Psalm 148 (UMH 861)Galatians 4:4-7Luke 2:22-40

I sincerely hope you then take some time off.
Right now let’s focus on this Sunday’s passages:

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Nathan brings good news and a reality check to David. The good news: God intends to establish David's lineage permanently, although conditionally. The reality: God has been present with God's people by being in their midst as they have traveled and has no need for David to build a temple. How does this passage speak to us today? What does it say to us who have built fine churches, permanent places of worship that now we can barely afford to maintain? What would it be like if we worshiped this homeless, wandering God instead of this “domesticated God” we have made for ourselves? After all whatever church we building we are in, its God’s not ours.
Luke 1:47-55 (UMH 199) The Song of Mary. It is a song of praise, humility, prophesy and justice. Is it not a song we need to hear today? And how can this become more than just a song, but a reality? Romans 16:25-27 A concluding doxology to the God who can strengthen us all. A word that many need to hear; not our strength, but God’s strength. What would happen if all people believed that the message of God’s saving plan is for “all nations”?
Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will become pregnant by God and bear the Son of the Most High whose throne will be eternal. She consents. Would we say yes? Would say that "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."? I fear that we women have said yes, and are paying the price for saying yes, while we serve congregations filled with people just punching their ticket and unwilling to say yes. What could God do for the wounded, the disenfranchised, and the needy world in the world through your hands? Who is the unlikely one that God would use in your church? What is God doing in your midst? Do we believe this; For nothing is impossible with God?

So what passage are you preaching this Sunday? What will be your focus? What are your thoughts on these passages or the ones you are using? I am not preaching this Sunday and would be interested in your thoughts.