Advent to Epiphany

Advent to Epiphany is the first volume in the From Text to Sermon series designed to help pastors and their flocks better understand the rhythm and purpose of the Christian calendar. As Christians, we view time from a different perspective than the rest of the world. We may use the same seconds, minutes, hours, dates, and days, but we view the meaning and purpose of history and the future by considering God's actions through the children of Abraham and through His only begotten Son, Jesus of Nazareth.Certain events in the Bible, though over two thousand years old, provide the key to discerning the times in which we live. That's why we remember Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. We read the forerunners of these events in the Hebrew Scriptures and find their meaning through the lens of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as we attempt to live out an "ancient but present faith" in a society where biblical literacy is increasingly non-existent.In this book, we begin with Advent, the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day, and conclude with Epiphany, or revelation of who Jesus is for the Gentiles at the close of the Twelve Days of Christmas.My goal is that the tools provided here will help you as you study, pray, and prepare to preach and teach the Word of God in this season.