Pastor Brian's Blog

In December, we will start a new series called “O Come” inspired by the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”  After hymn № 211 in the United Methodist Hymnal , you can find the seven great ‘O’ antiphons of the Medieval era.  These antiphons were used in monasteries as early as the ninth century for Advent vespers.  The text of the antiphons, however, dates to the fifth century. The ‘O’ antiphons incorporate seven prophetic titles for Jesus that help us to prepare for the one who is coming.  Each title also has a corresponding symbol which gives the titles more theological depth and texture.  “O Emmanuel” is a star.  “O Wisdom” is a menorah.  “O Lord” is a burning bush.  “O Root of Jesse” is a budding flower.  “O Key of David” is a key.  “O Dayspring” is a rising sun.  “O King of Nations” is a crown. During the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle, we will explore the significance of these ancient titles and ...

Veni Emmanuel is an invitation for God to come and be with us.  It is Latin for “Come, Emmanuel.”  The phrase suggests an age-old desire and a deep yearning for the presence of God in our lives.  I chose the image of a person gazing at the starry sky because I believe it evokes that longing. We are so tiny compared to the enormity of the cosmos.  Our life hardly seems significant next to the challenges we face and the problems of our day.  Yet God chose to come to us in a tiny baby on a starry night in a little village called Bethlehem.  The Savior of the world came as a person because our human lives are significant in God’s eyes.  Even now, God is with us — in spirit and truth.  In the longstanding promises of Scripture.  In the faithful community of believers.  In the beauty of holiness.  In the sweet smell of pine and cinnamon.  In the glow of candles that defy the darkness.  In our hope for t...