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Gospel & Sermon for the second Sunday in Advent, December 7, 2025, Rev. Eleanor Terry, Rector
The service for the first Sunday in Advent opens with a piano and handbell improvisation inspired by the Gregorian chant introit for Advent 1.
If we remind ourselves of God’s ever-present love, we can move past fear and insecurity to grace, gratitude, peace, and love. This prepares us not only for Christmas joy but also for the coming of God’s kingdom. Advent is a time of preparation.
In this age of “No Kings” protests, what does it mean to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King? Rev. Ellie draws a stark contrast between what today’s world understands about power, leadership, authority, and strength and what we know as the Kingdom of God.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food.”
A beloved Good Shepherd tradition returns
What if resurrection isn’t just a promise for the afterlife, but a way to live right now? Rev. Ellie reveals how ordinary acts of kindness, courage, and love can become moments of resurrection—signs of God’s transforming hope breaking into our world.
In 2006 Barb Magee joined Good Shepherd’s delegation to El Salvador. It was her first personal experience with the impoverishment and reality of life in a third world country. She channeled that experience into broadening Good Shepherd’s assistance and outreach efforts. Today our church offers many opportunities for individuals, families or groups to do something tangible and helpful for our neighbors - whether here in Acton, or for our far-flung neighbors around the world.
Rev. Ellie suggests, “It is a human thing, love; a holy thing, to love what death has touched.” We all know that death is part of every life. But with Jesus’ death and resurrection we also know that in death life is changed, not ended.
