The Scripture Readings: Luke 3:1-6; Philippians 1:6, 9-11a
The Sermon Title: "Things We Cannot Do and Things God Will Not Do"
Sermon Preview: "First, we cannot force God to do anything by our preparation for God's action. God acts at God's initiative. For example, the reality of Christmas does not come in response to the quality of our preparation for Christmas, but as a result of God's mercy and action. Second, God cannot assure a peace for which we are responsible. God chooses to respect our freedom of choice even if that meant a lack of fulfillment of God's will. God waits for us to do what only we can do -- make peace."
