Jesus and the Meaning of Advent
Jesus and the Meaning of Christmas
Advent & Christmas 2016 — Sundays, November 27 – December 18, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
November 27, 2016
Rev. Dr. David Gushee
Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church Decatur
Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at the Mercer University McAfee School of Theology
Sermon
"Jesus Means Hope"
Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 1:26-38
“And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David."
—Luke 1:31-32
Green button links to a printable version (pdf) of this week's sermon.
December 4, 2016
Rev. Dr. David Gushee
Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church Decatur
Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at the Mercer University McAfee School of Theology
Sermon
"Jesus Means Love"
Isaiah 25:6-9, John 3:16-17
“It will be said on that day,
Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
—Isaiah 25: 9
Green button links to a printable version (pdf) of this week's sermon.
December 11, 2016
The Music of Christmas — "Jesus Means Joy"
The FreshStart Band, Sanctuary Choir and musicians led in worship through music.
December 18, 2016
Rev. Dr. David Gushee
Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church Decatur
Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at the Mercer University McAfee School of Theology
Sermon
"Jesus Means Peace"
Isaiah 40:1-5; Luke 2:8-14
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’"
—Luke 2:13-14
Green button links to a printable version (pdf) of this week's sermon.
December 24, 2016
Rev. Dr. David Gushee
Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church Decatur
Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at the Mercer University McAfee School of Theology
Sermon
"When God Became One of Us"
Isaiah 7:14, John 1:1-5, 14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel."
—Isaiah 7:14
Green button links to a printable version (pdf) of this week's sermon.
December 25, 2016
Rev. Dr. David Gushee
Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church Decatur
Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at the Mercer University McAfee School of Theology
Sermon
"Jesus Means Celebration"
Isaiah 11:2-9, Luke 2:25-32
“And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."
—Isaiah 11:2
No sermon text or audio are available for this children's sermon given at the Christmas Day Brunch.