Advent is a season of hope, which carries meaning, because so often we lack hope. Many in our society lose hope because of their family situation. The Bible story we look at today is one of hope - hope lost and hope restored.
Sermon Series: Give Me a Sign! (Gospel of John) You might have seen in the news a a story about a place called Drybread in Central Otago, an old gold mining settlement. An archaelogical team from the University of Otago are planning to excavate parts of the Drybread cemetery which dates back to the 1860’s. Why do we care about cemeteries? Why care about the graves of people who died over 140 years ago? Because we know that the death of a loved one is heart breaking. Their resting place is somewhere we can remember them.
Sermon Series: Give Me a Sign! (Gospel of John) Jesus’ encounter with the blind man is an interesting story, a comic tragedy, a controversial healing. Woven into this story are themes of light, darkness, blindness, sight, identity, power and authority. At a key moment in the story when he is put on the spot, the man courageously states, one thing I do know: I was blind but now I see. This goes to the heart of this chapter and challenges us to consider, are we spiritually blind or can we truly see the light?
Sermon Series: Give Me a Sign! (Gospel of John) This week the world has watched as two men have vied for power and position as the President of the USA. Each man had millions of people voting for them. Some supporters have tried to gain access to counting stations to help ensure their man is made President. The example of Jesus is so different.
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