December 2013
Christmas Presence
Preached December 29, 2013 in Ankeny UCC. Sermon text Isaiah 63:7-9 Following the words of Isaiah, we remember that it was Emmanuel, God with us, who appeared on Christmas to sustain our stories beyond the losses and failures we see in front of us. Isaiah reminds us that our story does not begin in exile […]
Christmas Message
A homily preached December 24, 2013 in Ankeny UCC by Nathan Willard. This sermon followed a singing of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and is based on the 9 lessons and carols that we read and sang on Christmas Eve. What is the enduring lesson of the Christmas story? That we may all be our […]
Kingdoms of Love and Fear
Ahaz seeks comfort from his prophet Isaiah. Isaiah provides the reassuring messages that Ahaz's enemies will be destroyed, but as we look back on further events, we see that there is no peace in violent destruction. We look forward to a life built on God's love, rather than on the hope of violence. Sermon Text […]
Prophetic Imperfection
A homily delivered December 15, 2013 at Ankeny UCC. Sermon text Matthew 11:2-11 Where do we find our comfort and value? Do we look to the palaces of the mighty, or to the rough imperfections of the prophets? Where do we find our truth today? In the approval of those with higher status, or in […]
The Polk County Wilderness
A sermon preached at Ankeny UCC on December 8, 2013 John the Baptist’s life in the margins, among a marginal people, and their vision for the future calls us to wonder where the unheard voices in our own lives might be. What drives people to the wilderness, and how can we bring them back in? […]