Preaching Ideas for Advent

Having been an every Sunday preacher for 40 years, I am aware of the struggle to develop an Advent sermon series that tells the old story in fresh ways. Some years I preach individual sermons without a thematic connection. When I do, I usually follow this approach:

·         First Sunday: Jesus’ Second Coming

·         Second Sunday: John the Baptist / Repentance

·         Third Sunday: Theological Theme (e.g., virgin conception, incarnation, salvation/cross, Christmas and the problem of evil)

·         Fourth Sunday: Birth of Christ

Other years, I preach a themed series. In 2020, I preached through Revelation, and the last sermons of the series became my Advent preaching and seemed appropriate to the theology and hope of the season.  

·         Hello, Jesus (Rev 19)

·         Evil’s Last Gasp (Rev 20)

·         All Things New (Rev 21:1-8)

·         Welcome Home (Rev 21:9-22:5)

 

We have a Christmas Eve Communion service every year, and my Christmas Eve sermon may or may not be part of my Advent series. Sometimes, my Advent series extends to the Sunday after Christmas. I offer these ideas to stimulate your thinking as you prepare an Advent series this year. I hope it’s helpful.

 

Christmas Time

A Time to Obey (Mt 1:18-25)

A Time to Tell (Lk 2:16-18)

A Time to Celebrate (Lk 2:8-20)

A Time to Ponder (Lk 2:19)

 

The Sounds of Christmas

The Sound of an Old Man’s Silence (Lk 1:5-25)

The Sound of a Wise Man’s Question (Mt 2:1-12)

The Sound of Baby’s Cry (Lk 2:1:7)

The Sound of an Angel’s Song (Lk 2:8-20)

The Sound of a Mother’s Grief (Mt 2:13-18)

 

Why Jesus Came at Christmas

Jesus Came to Seek and to Save (Lk 18:35-19:10)

Jesus Came to Bring Abundant Life (Jn 10:7-11)

Jesus Came to Bring a Sword (Mt 10:34-39)

Jesus Came to Give His Life (Mk 10:41-45)

 

The Name Above All Names

Jesus: A Name for Every Need (Isa 9:6-7)

Jesus: Son of David, Son of God (Lk 1:26-38)

Jesus: Savior (Mt 1:18-21)

Jesus: Immanuel (Mt 1:22-23)

 

Tis the Season

Tis the Season to Be Waiting (Mk 13:32-37)

Tis the Season to Be Preparing (Mk 1:1-8; Isa 40:1-5)

Tis the Season to Be Giving (Mt 2:1-12)

Tis the Season to Be Filled with Wonder (Lk 2:8-20)

 

Christmas Characters (monologues)

Just an Ordinary Joe (Mt 1:18-25)

A Mother Remembers (Lk 1:26-38)

The King Gets His Say (Mt 2:1-18)

A Message from an Angel (Lk 2:8-14)

 

Christmas at the Movies

Christmas Vacation: Quit Chasing the Perfect Christmas (Lk 2:1-7)

A Christmas Story: Of Gifts and the Gift (Mt 2:10-11)

A Christmas Carol: People Can Change (Lk 3:1-17)

Surviving Christmas: It Might Cost You Your Life (Mt 2:16-18; 10:34-39)

Miracle on 34^th Street: Believing What Matters Most (Jn 1:12)

It’s a Wonderful Life: What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? (1 Cor 15:12-20)

(What more contemporary movies could you use?)

 

Christmas Stories

A War Story (Rev 12:1-6)

A Mission Story (Jonah 3:1-4:1)

A Dark Story (Mt 2:13-18)

A Jesus Story (Lk 2:1-20)

The Whole Story (Jn 3:16) —

(A grand narrative of the Bible on the Sunday after Christmas)

 

Call His Name

Wonderful Counselor (Isa 9:6-7)

Mighty God (Isa 9:6-7)

Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6-7)

Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6-7)

 

The Supporting Cast Talks Christmas (monologues)

Matthew: Not Just Another Baby Story (Gal 4:4-5)

John the Baptist: Desert Storm (Mt 3:1-12)

A Shepherd: Good News to All People (Lk 2:8-20)

Anna: The First Woman to Preach Jesus (Lk 2:36-38)

Simeon: An Old Man Can Die Peace (Lk 2:22-35)

 

Sing a Song of Christmas

Mary’s Song (Lk 1:46-56)

Zechariah’s Song (Lk 1:67-80)

The Angels’ Song (Lk 2:8-14)

Simeon’s Song (Lk 2:25-35)

 

I hope this primes the pump for you. May God bless your Advent/Christmas preaching! Feel free to share your Advent preaching ideas in the comment section.