Sermons on Advent

Sermons on Advent

Out of Egypt I Called My Son

Matthew 2:13–15 describes Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt to fulfill a prophecy given in Hosea. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches Abraham’s journey from Egypt – the promise of a people and a land, Israel’s journey from Egypt – the promise of freedom and prosperity, and Jesus’ journey from Egypt – the promise of eternal salvation. “When Israel was a child, I…

Mary’s Faith

In Luke 1:34–38, we see the remarkable faith of Mary by which she was able to accept the Word of God even when her sense of reality told her that the promise of the angel Gabriel was humanly impossible. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches Mary’s sense of reality, Mary’s faith in the Word of God, and Mary’s acceptance of the will of God. “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the…

Why Did Jesus Come to the Earth?

Isaiah 35:1-10 foretells the restoration of God’s people and the revelation of the glory of the Lord. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches the reign of the glory of the Lord, the restoration of God’s people, and the highway of holiness. “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain…

I am Gabriel

In Luke 1:5-38, the angel Gabriel announces the birth of the Christ Child to Mary. In this service of Lessons and Carols, we celebrate the birth of the Savior. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches the good news that Gabriel announced to Mary. “And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore…

Jesus’ Healing of a Broken World

In Zechariah 8:1-23, the prophet hears from God’s own mouth that God will return to bring restoration of all that was lost through Adam’s and Israel’s sin. Rev. Paul van Engelenhoven proclaims Jesus as the one who will bring restoration of divine communion, fruitful creation, joyful godliness, and one people under God. “And they shall be my people, and I will be their…

The Promise of a New King

Isaiah 9:1–7 foretells the new king whose birth would be announced by angels as a child in the manger. Rev. Paul van Engelenhoven describes the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful…

The Promise of a New Kingdom

Isaiah 9:1–7 promises a new kind of kingdom, the kingdom for which Jesus came to earth. Rev. Paul van Engelenhoven proclaims the purpose of Jesus coming, the dawn of the new kingdom, the expansion of the kingdom, and the full arrival of the kingdom. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to…