O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Today we begin the season of Advent. As the choir is leading the service, and I am not preaching, I am sharing this version of the hymn that initiates Advent for me. Perhaps the same will be true for you.
The Joy of Forgiveness -- A Sermon for Lent 4C (Psalm 32)
Psalm 32
Are you happy? Then you must be forgiven! While none of us is completely sinless, apparently it’s possible to be free of that nagging joy-killing sense of guilt that comes with sin. It appears that we can “be glad in the Lord and rejoice,” if we’re found to be among the righteous. We can “shout for joy,” if “we’re upright in heart.” The good news is we can start with the promise of forgiveness. So says the Psalmist.
We’re at the halfway point in our Lenten journey, and during this season we’ve been spending time with the Psalms. We’ve mostly heard words of assurance. We’ve heard that God is our refuge and our fortress, and that we live under the protective cover of God’s wings. We’ve heard the promise of God’s steadfast love surrounding us. These are words of divine grace that offer us comfort and encouragement, especially when life’s circumstances are challenging.
Of course, Lent is a season of reflection and even penitence. So, could another shoe be waiting to drop? Could t…
Are you happy? Then you must be forgiven! While none of us is completely sinless, apparently it’s possible to be free of that nagging joy-killing sense of guilt that comes with sin. It appears that we can “be glad in the Lord and rejoice,” if we’re found to be among the righteous. We can “shout for joy,” if “we’re upright in heart.” The good news is we can start with the promise of forgiveness. So says the Psalmist.
We’re at the halfway point in our Lenten journey, and during this season we’ve been spending time with the Psalms. We’ve mostly heard words of assurance. We’ve heard that God is our refuge and our fortress, and that we live under the protective cover of God’s wings. We’ve heard the promise of God’s steadfast love surrounding us. These are words of divine grace that offer us comfort and encouragement, especially when life’s circumstances are challenging.
Of course, Lent is a season of reflection and even penitence. So, could another shoe be waiting to drop? Could t…
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