1 December 2024 – Advent 1-Year C
Lectionary Texts: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1st Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
Below, you will find a story and a shorter version (less than 300 words) that could be used as a newsletter reflection. Some sermon topics and ideas based on the Sunday lectionary readings are also included.
Because of the 16 days of activism, some of the sermon topics and the story deal with domestic violence.
The story will be based on one of the topics, which will be identified, and my sermon topic will also be identified.
The Lantern and the Cave
In a remote village nestled between towering mountains, a young woman named Elara prepared for a journey no one else dared to take. The villagers spoke in hushed tones about the cave in the north—where shadows twisted and whispered, and those who entered seldom returned. Yet, stories told of a lantern hidden deep within, a light that could dispel any darkness. Elara’s heart ached for those in her village who had suffered long winters, both in their homes and in their hearts. She believed this lantern held the key to lifting their unspoken burdens.
As she entered the cave, her small torch flickered, casting fragile light on the jagged walls. The air grew colder, and the shadows deepened. Soon, the whispers began. At first, they were subtle, almost gentle, but each step deeper into the cave made them sharper, more insistent.
“You imagined the lantern,” a shadow whispered, curling around her feet. “There is no treasure. Just like you imagine everything. Too sensitive, they always say.” The words tugged at her thoughts like cold fingers tracing doubts she had buried. But Elara remembered the elder’s words: Trust only the light you carry within.
Further along, a serpentine voice slithered out. “You have nothing of your own,” it hissed. “Everything you are, everything you have, belongs to others. You’re dependent, worthless without them.” The torch wavered, the flame shrinking, but she clenched her jaw and pressed on. My worth isn’t tied to what I possess, she reminded herself.
In a narrow passage, the darkness coiled tighter. “No one cares for you,” it murmured, a soft, insidious venom. “You’re alone and unloved. If you turn back now, no one will notice or miss you.” The air seemed heavier, pressing on her chest. Tears welled in her eyes, but she tightened her grip on the torch. “That’s not true,” she whispered, her voice stronger. “Love waits for me beyond this darkness.”
The ground trembled suddenly, loose rocks tumbling. “See?” the shadow laughed, mocking. “You’re weak. One wrong step and this cave will crush you. You can’t survive without protection.” Her heart pounded, but she steadied herself against the wall. “Strength isn’t about force,” she declared, her voice steady now. “It’s about resilience.”
Deeper still, the shadows grew taller and more imposing. “You think your light is enough?” a voice rumbled from the stone. You defy the very order that holds this darkness. This is your fate—accept it.” The cavern seemed to close in, suffocating, but she stood tall. “The light is stronger than this darkness. I am not here to surrender.”
The cave opened into a vast chamber where shadows danced around branching tunnels. “They will never understand you when you return,” they chorused. “You’ll be an outcast, lost among them. Why go back at all?” She stared into the central path, murmuring, “I’m not alone. I carry others in my heart.”
The walls flickered with false memories and twisted reflections, shadows shaping their own deceit. “Everything you are, everything you’ve done, has been watched and shaped. You cannot escape it.” She closed her eyes briefly, drawing strength. “Truth cannot be imprisoned by lies.”
Finally, she entered a vast chamber, and there stood the lantern—a steady, golden light in defiance of the surrounding darkness. As she touched it, the shadows screamed, shrinking into the corners. Her torch flared brighter than ever before.
Elara returned to her village, the lantern in hand. Its light became a symbol—not of escape, but of endurance. She spoke of the shadows, their lies, and the strength needed to face them. The villagers began to share their own stories, breaking the silence that had trapped them. Together, they built a brighter, safer community—one where no shadow could thrive in secrecy.
The Lantern and the Cave
(shorter version)
Elara, a young woman from a remote village, embarks on a dangerous journey to find a lantern rumoured to dispel darkness. The path takes her deep into a cave, where shadows twist and whisper, trying to turn her back. Each step brings more insidious lies, questioning her worth and independence. The shadows claim she is weak, dependent, and unloved, trying to convince her that her worth is tied to others. They mock her efforts, suggesting that her light is inadequate and that returning would be pointless.
Despite the oppressive darkness, Elara draws strength from her resolve, refusing to let the shadows control her. She continues her journey, holding fast to the belief that her light is stronger than the darkness surrounding her. Eventually, she reaches the centre of the cave and finds the lantern, its golden light shining defiantly against the shadows. As she touches it, the shadows retreat, and she is filled with renewed strength.
Elara returns to her village, bringing the lantern with her as a symbol of resilience. Its light becomes a beacon for others who have been trapped by darkness, allowing them to confront their own shadows and break the silence of their struggles. Through shared strength and openness, the villagers begin to heal and build a brighter, safer community.
Sermon Topics and Ideas
- Questioning God’s Justice in Times of Crisis
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10- Explore the psalmist’s honest struggle with feelings of abandonment.
- Highlight the tension between trusting God’s justice and experiencing suffering.
- Discuss how communities of faith can support those who feel forsaken.
- Encourage the congregation to embrace their doubts in their faith journey, seeing them as part of a deeper relationship with God.
- Reflect on how lament can be a powerful form of worship and a call for God’s justice.
- Reimagining End-Time Theology: Hope or Fear?
Scripture: Luke 21:25-36- Examine common fear-based interpretations of apocalyptic texts and their impact on faith.
- Contrast fear-driven eschatology with Jesus’ message of hope, readiness, and assurance in this passage.
- Address how misinterpretations can foster passivity rather than active compassion and justice.
- Challenge the church to focus on preparation through love, service, and integrity rather than fear.
- Explore how hope in God’s future reign empowers believers to face current challenges boldly.
- Faith vs. Political Authority
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16- Discuss God’s promise of a just ruler and what that means in contrast to earthly leaders.
- Critique how political leaders often claim divine favour while perpetuating injustice or self-interest.
- Highlight historical and modern examples where the church has either supported or resisted unjust authority.
- Call the church to hold political and social authorities accountable, aligning with God’s justice.
- Encourage active civic engagement rooted in Christian ethics and compassion.
- Consumerism in Modern Christianity
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13- Reflect on Paul’s gratitude for spiritual growth among the Thessalonians, contrasting it with modern consumer-driven faith.
- Examine how materialism and prosperity theology can distort true discipleship.
- Discuss the dangers of reducing faith to a transaction or seeking personal gain.
- Encourage the congregation to pursue spiritual maturity, community service, and simplicity.
- Offer practical ways to cultivate generosity, gratitude, and authentic worship.
- The Church’s Role in Global Inequality
Scripture: Psalm 25:8-10- Highlight God’s commitment to justice, mercy, and guiding the humble in the right path.
- Address ways the church may inadvertently sustain systems of global or local inequality.
- Examine how wealth and privilege can blind us to the needs of others.
- Challenge the congregation to identify and address their complicity in structural injustices.
- Offer practical steps for engaging in advocacy, fair trade, and community development projects.
- Seeking Refuge in Troubled Times
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10- Draw parallels between the psalmist’s plea for refuge and the experiences of domestic violence survivors.
- Emphasise the role of the church as a sanctuary and safe space for those in crisis.
- Discuss the need for churches to create and implement clear policies for supporting survivors.
- Provide concrete ways for the congregation to support and empower survivors.
- Reflect on God’s promise to be a refuge, urging the church to embody this through compassion and justice.
- The Abuse of Power and God’s Justice
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:15- Explore how domestic violence distorts God’s vision of justice and righteousness.
- Discuss the role of power dynamics in relationships and how they can be abused.
- Highlight the church’s responsibility to speak out against abuse and stand with survivors.
- Encourage congregants to model healthy, respectful relationships and challenge harmful behaviours.
- Reflect on how God’s justice calls us to protect the vulnerable and seek restoration.
- Signs of Brokenness: Reading Between the Lines
Scripture: Luke 21:25-36- Apply Jesus’ teaching about recognising signs in the world to domestic violence situations.
- Encourage awareness of hidden signs of abuse within the congregation and community.
- Discuss how silence and stigma can perpetuate cycles of violence.
- Highlight the importance of creating a culture of openness, vigilance, and support in the church.
- Offer training and resources for identifying and responding to signs of domestic violence compassionately.
† The story above is based on this Topic
‡ My sermon will be based on these Topics/ideas
Other Lectionary Resources
These resources are based on the lectionary readings.
- A Sermon for every Sunday – FREE lectionary-based video sermons by America’s best preachers for use in worship, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes, or for individual use. All you do is push the button.
- Laughing Bird – a gift to the wider Church from the South Yarra Community Baptist Church in Melbourne, Australia. Has several sermons, prayers and the lectionary bible readings.
- The Lutheran Church of Australia – A worship planning resource that includes many parts of the service, including song selections, sermons, visual arts, children’s resources, and others.
- Lectionary Liturgies – A full liturgy for each Sunday based on the lectionary readings for the week. These are liturgies that I prepare for the congregation I serve and make available to others.
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