Learn practical ideas for approaching the Advent season, different sermon series ideas for Advent, significance of fasting and reflection, preaching Advent through the Minor Prophets, approaches to preaching during Advent, and supporting Expositors Collective.
Leverage the Advent season by exploring different aspects of the incarnation and focusing on the stories of women in the Christmas narrative.
Use Advent preaching as an opportunity to delve into high theology, reflecting on the mysteries of Christ's incarnation and the divine nature of salvation.
Deep dives
The Benefits of the Liturgical Calendar and Advent Sermon Series
Pastor John Stark shares how following the liturgical calendar can be beneficial, allowing other elements of the service to carry the weight of the Advent season. He also suggests exploring Advent sermon series that cover different aspects of the incarnation, such as Old Testament passages, gospel narratives, and New Testament texts. One unique idea he mentions is focusing on the stories of the women in the Christmas narrative.
Bringing High Theology and Deep Truths to Advent Preaching
Shane England emphasizes the opportunity that Advent preaching offers to delve into the high theology of Christ's incarnation. He encourages preachers to explore the deep truths behind the Christmas season, such as the hypostatic union and the divine nature of Christ, and to use this time to elevate the minds of congregants and reflect on the mysteries of God's work of salvation.
Preaching Advent as a Time of Fasting and Waiting
Dr. Ian Clary suggests viewing Advent as a Lenten season, a time of fasting and introspection, leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. He advises placing a serious emphasis on waiting and anticipation during Advent sermons, and encourages pastors to explore relevant texts that reflect on the darkness before the coming of the Messiah and the spiritual practice of waiting.
Finding Hope and Renewal in the Christmas Story
Dominic Donne highlights the relevance of the Christmas story in times of darkness and hopelessness, expressing that the core message of Christmas is one of hope and renewal. He encourages ministry leaders to offer hope to those struggling with anxiety, depression, despair, and loneliness, reminding them that the birth of Christ brings new life and healing to a broken world.
The Christmas season is upon us! This is a unique time in the calendar year when nominal Christians and occasional visitors will come to your church to sing songs and listen to a sermon. How can we leverage this opportunity for the gospel? How can a preacher, who has perhaps preached dozens of Christmas messages over the years, keep it “fresh” now? Eight former guests of the podcast were asked exactly that question and have submitted their answers.
Our hope is that as you listen to these different perspectives and ideas that it will stir your heart with fresh enthusiasm this upcoming December!