Love God, love neighbor, make disciples. doug@pastordougolson.com
Our scripture this morning is Luke 1:45-47 (RSV). “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” “The Magnificat”, Mary’s song which glorifies the Lord, is one …
Our scripture this morning is Luke 1:35 (RSV). And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” There are several instances of angels appearing to people in …
Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 9:6-7 (RSV). For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Of the increase of his government and of peace there will …
Our scripture this morning is Micah 5:2 (RSV). But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. This passage, repeated in Matthew 2:6, indicates how …
Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 7:14 (RSV). Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu-el. The prophet Isaiah offered these words some 600 years before the birth of Jesus. In Isaiah we find many references pointing to …
Our scripture this morning is Jeremiah 23:5-6 (RSV). Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell …
This Advent I’m rediscovering the Revised Standard Version, which was the first Bible I was given as a third grader and used in church for many years. It is a revision of the American Standard Version which came from the King James Version. The language is older but still speaks to me, especially beautiful and …
Our scripture this morning is Jeremiah 33:14-15 (RSV). Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for David; and he shall …
Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 40:3 (NKJV). The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” I have a personal connection to this scripture – it is part of the text for the opening tenor solo of “The Messiah” …
Our scripture this morning is 1 John 3:16 (NLT). We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. Most people are familiar with the Gospel of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world…”. However, The …