This Christmas reflection invites us to rediscover the meaning of Emmanuel—God with us—through the courageous “yes” of Mary and the ongoing call for each of us to embody divine love in the world. The sermon explores how God chose to enter human life not in power or distance, but in vulnerability, depending on a young woman’s willingness to trust, nurture, and participate in God’s unfolding work. Mary’s unconditional “yes,” despite scandal, danger, and profound sorrow, becomes a model of openness to the Spirit and a reminder that God’s love often arrives through ordinary human hands.

Drawing on insights from theologian Rachel Held Evans and the timeless words of St. Teresa of Avila, the message emphasizes that Christ continues to come into the world through us. Our hands, feet, eyes, and daily actions become the means by which God expresses compassion, healing, and peace. The sermon weaves together personal stories of caregiving, teaching, and discernment to illustrate how each person’s life can become a vessel for God’s presence.

Ultimately, this Christmas message calls listeners to allowGod to be born within them—to say “yes” to love, justice, and service, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. By trusting God’s deep and abiding love, we make space for divine grace to move through us, bringing hope, reconciliation, and wholeness to a world longing for peace.

This sermon was preached by the Rev. Theresa Newell on the Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington.

All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church ofthe Redeemer:

✅All races.

✅All religions.

✅All countries of origin.

✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.

✅All genders.

1. Christmas & Incarnation Themes

Christmas sermon

God with us

Emmanuel meaning

Incarnation theology

Christmas reflection

Meaning of Christmas

God becoming human

2. Mary’s “Yes” & Vocation

Mary’s yes

Mary and the incarnation

Mary as model of faith

Saying yes to God

Christian calling

Spiritual vocation

Trusting God’s call

3. Divine Vulnerability & Love

God’s vulnerability

God’s unconditional love

Divine compassion

God’s presence in suffering

Spiritual courage

God’s love in action

4. Embodying Christ in the World

Being the body of Christ

St. Teresa of Avila quote

Hands and feet of Christ

Living out the gospel

Christian service

Faith in action

Spiritual embodiment

5. Progressive & Inclusive Spirituality

Inclusive Christian message

Progressive Christianity

Modern faith reflections

Spiritual openness

Contemporary theology

Faith and justice

6. Personal Spiritual Growth

Saying yes to God

Deepening faith

Spiritual discernment

Trusting God’s love

Inner transformation

Christian mindfulness

7. Peace, Healing & Hope

Peace on earth

Healing and reconciliation

Hope in Christ

God’s love for the world

Spiritual renewal

Christmas hope

This Advent sermon explores Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth as a profound invitation to spiritual wakefulness, discernment, and trust in God’s unexpected work. Although the passage appears to be a Christmas reading, the message centers on Advent themes: staying awake, preparing our hearts, and recognizing the divine presence in daily life. The Rev. Theresa Newell highlights how Matthew, writing decades after Jesus’ resurrection, weaves an overture of themes that will unfold throughout the Gospel—scandal, divine intervention, misunderstanding, and ultimately the promise of “God with us.”

At the heart of the message is Joseph, whose quiet courage and spiritual attentiveness model what it means to seek God’s light in dark and confusing moments. Faced with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy and the emotional turmoil it must have caused, Joseph refuses to act from anger or fear. Instead, he pauses, reflects, and listens. His righteousness is revealed not in rigid legalism but in compassion, humility, and openness to God’s guidance. Because Joseph has cultivated a life of prayer and repentance—continually turning toward God—he is able to recognize the angel’s message, trust it, and act on it.

The sermon calls listeners to embrace Joseph’s Advent posture: staying awake to the Holy Spirit’s nudges, practicing discernment, and preparing room for God’s presence in everyday life. With practice, prayer, and openness, we too can receive divine guidance, live into our calling, and become people who reflect God’s love in the world.

This sermon was preached on the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2025, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington.

All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer:

✅All races.

✅All religions.

✅All countries of origin.

✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.

✅All genders.

Joseph’s Story & Discernment

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“Joseph as a model of spiritual listening”

“how Joseph teaches us to hear God’s guidance”

Holy Spirit & Daily Guidance

“Christian discernment in everyday life”

“sermon on listening for God in moments of confusion”

“how to stay open to God’s unexpected work”

General Search‑Friendly Phrases

“Advent sermon on Matthew 1:18–25”

“meaning of Joseph’s dream in Matthew’s Gospel”

“Christian sermon on trusting God in uncertainty”

“how to prepare spiritually for Christ’s coming daily”

In the Gospel reflection, Jesus asks, “What did the people go out into the wilderness to see?” The crowds were not searching for a reed swayed by the wind or a figure of wealth and status. Instead, they sought truth, healing, and wholeness. Drawn by a deep awareness of brokenness—both personal and societal—the people went to hear John the Baptist, who called them to self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the coming of Christ.

John’s message was not one of comfort or convenience but of transformation. He urged people to confront their shadow selves, the hidden parts of their identity suppressed by fear or societal judgment. By opening their hearts to God’s forgiveness and grace, they could experience reconciliation and renewal. John pointed beyond himself to Jesus, the one who would baptize with fire and the Spirit, bringing restoration to individuals and justice to communities.

This call resonates today. Just as the first-century crowds longed for wholeness, modern society struggles with division, inequality, and repression of authentic identity. Yet God declares all creation good—our emotions, gifts, and differences are essential to the flourishing of the whole. Jesus’ ministry demonstrates the fruits of the Spirit: healing, harmony, and good news for the poor.

The wilderness journey reminds us that true wholeness comes not from power or approval but from opening ourselves to God’s Spirit. In Christ, brokenness is healed, communities are reconciled, and the fullness of God’s goodness is revealed again and again.

This sermon was preached on the 3rd Sunday of Advent (Year A), December 14, 2025, by the Rev. Theresa Newell, Priest in Charge, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington.

All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer:
✅All races.
✅All religions.
✅All countries of origin.
✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.
✅All genders.

• “why did people go to the wilderness in the Bible”
• “John the Baptist message of repentance and wholeness”
• “spiritual healing through self-examination and grace”
• “Jesus and the search for wholeness in broken times”
• “Christian reflection on societal brokenness and justice”
• “faith-based response to societal injustice and division”
• “Christian perspective on emotional repression and healing”
• “how Jesus brings wholeness to marginalized communities”
• “God’s view on human dignity and emotional
• “church message on embracing all parts of ourselves”