Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 3:7-18

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Kedron, December 16, the Third Sunday of Advent, the sermon title is Advent Anxieties?! The scriptures are Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 3:7-18.

Advent should make one think of “A” words like “anticipation,” “awe,” “adventure,” “awareness,” but hardly “anxiety.” Well, the texts for Sunday CAN create feelings of anxiety if we look and listen closely. Zephaniah (I felt anxious because I first confused Zephaniah with Zechariah!) is complete with reasons to be anxious! Mercifully the verses are all about final “release of anxiety” with the coming favor of the Lord!

John the Baptizer’s preaching certainly can cause anxiety! And perhaps anxiety for him when Herod lands him in jail(!). Paul, also writing from jail, says “be anxious for nothing” Phil 4:6 which seems almost an impossibility….in any age, with any person facing life’s challenges.

But, rest assured anxiety will NOT be the final word for persons of faith during Advent. Some of us will face it but with the Lord’s help it will not have power over us. We have reason to look forward to better things in Advent! Christmas is coming! Jesus is here and now!

Anticipate Blessings…and breathe a sigh of relief: “What? Me worry?”

Pastor Barry