As Old Testament scholar, Anathea Portier-Young states so poignantly, “Isaiah preaches hope in a time of terror and justice in a time of oppression.”[1]  The people of Israel are wrought with fear as the Assyrian army threatens what’s left of the world as they know it.  But this vision looks forward to another day, with a two-part vision of the Messiah and the coming Kingdom of God.    The preacher might consider one of these homiletical directions for this sermon: Nurturing new life after...

Rev. Heidi Neumark, pastor of Transfiguration Lutheran Church, reflects on the beginning of Advent, amidst the poverty and violence in her South Bronx neighborhood: The distance between the world as it is and the world as it should be tears at my heart.  Probably the reason I love Advent so much is that it is a reflection of how I feel most of the time.  I might not feel sorry during Lent, when the liturgical calendar begs repentance.  I might not feel victorious, even though it is Easter...

This weeks Old Testament lection appears at the end of an extended series from the book of Jeremiah. Congregants may find the words of this week’s reading familiar, even if they have not opened this mere three chapter minor prophet previously. Peter quotes this portion of Joel (2:28b-32a) at Pentecost (Acts 2), as he interprets the pouring out of the Spirit and the events of that day in light of this prophecy. The preacher who prioritizes the teaching aspect of a sermon may want to include...