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Rev. Ellie explores how during the time of Advent we can prepare for not just a one-day celebration of Christmas, but for an incarnation that will be born in us and will last for all time. Secular Christmas preparations happen in many ways but preparing our hearts is often harder to do. Easier to forget. Advent provides us the gift of time – to pause, reflect, slow down. A time to prepare our hearts for the extraordinary thing that is about to happen.
Gospel & Sermon for the second Sunday in Advent, December 7, 2025, Rev. Eleanor Terry, Rector
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.
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.
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.
Deacon Ken asks, “What does Jesus command us do?” Jesus’ second Great Commandment instructs us to love God, and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Do we truly love and accept ourselves with all our faults and imperfections?
The Episcopal church calls us to follow Jesus through prayer, worship, proclamation of the Gospel, and by promoting justice, peace, and love. Rev. Ellie notes that prayer comes first in that list. What exactly is prayer? Why is it foundational to being a Christian?
Rev. Ellie challenges us: do we know Jesus in a way which saves us? In a way that makes us truly whole?
Rev. Ellie explores how the words of Jeremiah the Prophet speak clearly to us today.